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New York Giants sign WR Golden Tate: Grade, reaction and more

By Russell S. Baxter

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 06: Golden Tate #19 of the Philadelphia Eagles completes a reception to score a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 06: Golden Tate #19 of the Philadelphia Eagles completes a reception to score a touchdown against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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The New York Giants added a very reliable pair of hands to their wide receiving corps by signing highly-productive veteran performer Golden Tate.

He was one of the bigger names in terms of wide receivers on the free-agent market. And there was speculation that his choices were down to a pair of AFC powers in the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots and the very-consistent Pittsburgh Steelers.

But when it was all said and done, veteran Golden Tate opted to remain in the NFC East – this after a half of a season with the Philadelphia Eagles. And the high-volume pass-catcher is now a member of Big Blue after inking a deal with the New York Giants.

No, he’s not the answer to filling the cleats of Odell Beckham Jr. But the nine-year pro will give quarterback Eli Manning a steady target.

In his years with the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Eagles, he rolled up 611 catches for 7,214 yards and 38 touchdowns. He’s caught at least 70 passes in each of his last five seasons. And he figures to be a big positive for an offense that played much better as 2018 wore on.

Contract Details

Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Giants signed the one-time Golden Domer to a four-year, $37.5 million contract.

National Reaction

GOLDEN TATE. B+. Tate really came into his own as a high-volume wideout during his days with the Detroit Lions. He was targeted at least 120 times in each of his first four seasons in the Motor City. And if you combine his work with the Lions and Eagles this past year, those team’s quarterbacks took aim at the nine-year wide receiver a combined 113 times.<p>Obviously, the New York Giants’ offense was going to look a lot different this season minus the electrifying talents of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. The addition of Tate, combined with sure-handed running back Saquon Barkley, fellow wideout Sterling Shepard and downfield tight end Evan Engram, means Manning should plenty of reliable options at his disposal. And Pat Shurmur’s offense should be interesting if the line can keep the veteran signal-caller out of harm’s way.</p>. WR. New York Giants

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The New York Giants split their final eight games this past season after a 1-7 start. Is this really a team in rebuilding mode? Even though the club has moved on from some key players, the addition of Tate would seem to indicate otherwise.

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