The Seahawks lost another key member of their Super Bowl winning team Wednesday. Golden Tate, the team’s leading receiver in 2013, has agreed to a five-year deal with the Detroit Lions. Tate confirmed the signing on Twitter and said his goodbyes to Seahawks fans.
Wow I’m officially a Detroit #Lion. Extremely excited about the opportunity to grow with this organization.
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 12, 2014
However Seattle I am extremely thankful for the support and love the city has given me over the past 4 years. It’s tough to leave such a
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 12, 2014
Great place. I appreciate everything the city, coaches, and teammates have done for me. I will always value how great seattle was to me
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 12, 2014
He also laid out the details of his contract to ESPN’s Josina Anderson.
Golden Tate to me just now: “Yes I am taking the deal (with the Lions). It is a 5-year deal for $31M and $13.25M guaranteed.”
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 12, 2014
In Detroit, Tate will be the No. 2 receiver opposite All-Pro Calvin Johnson and get a chance to potentially put up big numbers in an offense that throws the ball a much higher rate than the Seahawks. And of course it also means Tate will now face the Green Bay Packers twice a year, bringing up plenty of bad memories for Packers fans.
Tate, a second-round pick in 2010, struggled to make his mark during his first two seasons, but established himself as a starter in 2012 and finished that season with 45 catches for 688 yards and seven touchdowns. He was even better last season, leading the team with 64 catches for 898 yards and five touchdowns while also establishing himself as one of the league’s best punt returners.
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