New York Giants sign WR Golden Tate: Grade, reaction and more
![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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/19450372b06ca619380808a80289a6b2fe9b5fa377643513b64604b9aa38ff0f.jpg)
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
Giants' post-OBJ weapons:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2019
Golden Tate.
Sterling Shepard.
Evan Engram.
Saquon Barkley.
I love Golden Tate as a player and he deserves the money he is getting paid. But the Giants' roster construction plan right now makes zero sense to me.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 14, 2019
In fact, since 2014, no other receiver has come close to Golden Tate's forced missed tackles after the catch. pic.twitter.com/gQPLtKlNSL
— PFF (@PFF) March 14, 2019
I love Golden Tate. Very good player, but his multi-year signing has me wondering even more what the NYG are doing.... https://t.co/1Cjmo9Uni0
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) March 14, 2019
Like this signing a lot. @ShowtimeTate is a Super Bowl champion so he has an idea what it takes to win.
— Patricia Traina (@Patricia_Traina) March 14, 2019
#Giants Golden Tate signing:
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) March 14, 2019
* Confirms org is in no way committed to actual rebuild
* Adds slot WR redundant with Sterling Shepard
* Costs them 5th-rd comp pick
* Locks in 4th-rd comp pick for NFCE "rival" #Eagles
* Brings to NY one of Mike Francesca's favorite free agents
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
More fansided.com: NFL Draft: Best all-time pick for each team
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.