Giants: Joe Judge sends strong message benching Golden Tate

Golden Tate will not play on Sunday against Washington Football Team

Tate has been a thorn in the Giants side despite being employed to help New York in the passing game. The Notre Dame product, along with his wife, have been complaining about his lack of targets in recent weeks. This hasn’t done Daniel Jones’ development any good, as he shouldn’t be looking to force the ball to any one player, especially as the Giants are already down Saquon Barkley for the season. The onus on offense falls squarely on Jones, and Tate isn’t helping matters.

Judge first relegated Tate to the scout team, but after seeing a lack of effort in practice, the first-year coach is sending a message that these sorts of actions won’t be tolerated. In Year 1 on the job, it’s the kind of decision necessary to get the respect he so desperately needs from his young team.

Tate’s contract hasn’t worked out for the Giants

In 2019, Tate was signed to a four-year, $37.5 million deal in free agency. At the time the contract looked to be a good idea for New York, pairing a rookie QB with a veteran wideout who’s established as a great pass-catcher. However, Tate and Jones haven’t meshed, and as a result the former is growing more frustrated by the day. For some reason, Dave Gettleman opted not to trade Tate at the deadline despite these overlying issues.

Tate will be on the Giants moving forward unless they opt to cut him for behavioral reasons. Doing so would put a black eye on his resume, and limit future employment opportunities. As unfair as Tate thinks he’s been treated, he and his wife need to remain calm in this unforeseen development or else risk losing significant income.