Fansided

Eagles trade for Golden Tate signals another playoff run

By Matt Verderame

Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) breaks a tackle on his touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Jim Cowsert/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) breaks a tackle on his touchdown catch against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. (Jim Cowsert/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS via Getty Images) /
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The Philadelphia Eagles added a playmaker to their offense on Tuesday afternoon, acquiring Golden Tate from the Detroit Lions.

After winning the Super Bowl in February, the Philadelphia Eagles have sputtered in the first half of their crown-defending season to the tune of 4-4. They’re hoping to have a strong finishing kick.

General manager Howie Roseman made a major move on Tuesday prior to the NFL’s Trade Deadline, landing wide receiver Golden Tate from the Detroit Lions for a 2019 third-round pick, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Through seven games with the Lions this season, Tate racked up 44 catches for 517 yards and three touchdowns, putting him first on the team in the former two categories.

Philadelphia acquired Tate because the offense hasn’t lived up the expectations. After a breakout campaign in 2017, Nelson Agholor is pacing for less than 750 yards, while Alshon Jeffery has endured injury woes. Beyond them, it’s Jordan Matthews and Kamar Aiken on the depth chart, making this deal by Roseman imperative. At this juncture, the offense is running through tight end Zach Ertz and little else, something that is now changed.

Tate immediately becomes the top receiver on the team when Jeffery is hurt and a top-notch second option on the perimeter when he’s available. With Ertz, Tate and Jeffery now healthy and at Carson Wentz’s disposal, the Eagles become that much more terrifying for the rest of the NFL.

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As for the Lions, they clearly were planning to move on from Tate after his contract runs out after this season. Kenny Golladay has emerged as a legit threat opposite Marvin Jones, and Detroit has other pressing needs to address with its cap space. The only question is why general manager Bob Quinn traded for Damon Harrison last week if he was going to all but scuttle the season only days later.

Finally, look for Tate to become a free agent after this season, with the Eagles basically allowing their third-round pick to be used on a rental. According to OverTheCap, Philadelphia is one of the most strapped teams in football, sitting at $6.3 million over the projected threshold.