According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions have yet to have any substantial contract talks with WR Golden Tate‘s representatives and have instead indicated that they want to allow new HC Matt Patricia some time to get to know him before getting serious about an extension.
“Right now I’m just kind of focusing on getting to know Coach Patricia and showing up to work ready to work every day so he gets a feel for my type of personality, what I’m going to bring to this team,” Tate said. “I’m trying not to worry about it too much. Obviously, we all know that I’d love to get something done, but I go into each year just trying to prove myself because there’s a new batch of guys that are probably coming in to try to take my job.”
Tate added that he’s hoping the Lions see him as being worthy of a contract extension.
“Hopefully this organization sees that I’m tough and worthy enough for another deal,” Tate said.
Even so, Tate is well aware of the money being paid out to free agents receivers in recent years.
“Guys are getting paid a looot of money,” Tate said. “There’s guys who aren’t even every-down receivers who are getting paid a lot of money, so that’s obviously refreshing as a receiver to see going into this market here soon.”
“The wide receiver market is very high right now, and it wasn’t very high when I came out when I was in free agency the first time, unfortunately. It’s pretty exciting. It’s almost like, with these guys that are signing their first big deal, it’s been set. I would have never thought receivers today would be getting paid I guess what quarterbacks were getting paid just four years ago.”
Tate, 29, is a former second-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2010. He played out his rookie contract in Seattle before signing a five-year, $31 million contract that included $13.25 million with the Lions.
Tate stands to make a base salary of $7 million for the 2018 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent next year.
In 2017, Tate appeared in all 16 games for the Lions and caught 92 passes for 1,003 yards receiving and five touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 7 receiver out of 116 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding a new deal for Tate as the news is available.
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