There is no denying the Patriots are depleted at wide receiver. They only have Julian Edelman signed for 2019, with Josh Gordon a restricted free agent. Assuming Gordon, and at least one of Dorsett, Patterson, or Hogan return, New England will still need another slot receiver.
Previously on BSE, we mentioned some of the potential free agent wideouts New England could target. Veteran slot receiver Golden Tate is one of the most prominent names. The former Lion is one of the premier receivers on the market, and he mentioned on Wednesday he would love the chance to come to Foxboro.
“I would love it, I would love it,’’ he told ProStyle Podcast. “That organization, they have proven to be champions year in and year out. They work hard for sure, but you know where you’re going to be at the end of the season: you’re going to be not only looking at the playoffs, but you’re looking at maybe a first-round bye with this team. You gotta admire that organization, they do things right, they’ve been doing it for a long, long, long time.’’
It has been common knowledge that Tate wants another chance at a ring before he retires. He’s mentioned that he is on the tail end of his career, and is craving another Super Bowl run. A member of the dominant 2013 Seattle squad, he already has one ring to his name. In the past, where have countless veterans gone to win a Super Bowl at the end of their careers? Three guesses.
Tate obviously makes a ton of sense for the Patriots in free agency. He is a proven receiver with playoff experience, filling up the stat sheet for the last three seasons. After a down year in 2018, and being over 30, the price could be right for New England.
The Patriots need another dynamic receiver for Tom Brady, and Tate fits that bill without breaking the bank. If the feeling is mutual between the two parties, there is a very real possibility this comes to fruition.
It also helps that New England boasts the greatest quarterback of all time, which Tate clearly acknowledges. He said this later on in the interview:
“I would definitely love being a part of something like that and catch a few passes from old Tommy Boy,’’ Tate said. “Julian [Edelman] is a buddy of mine, I’m really good buddies with him. I’ve heard good things from Kyle Van Noy, who got traded from Detroit and went there and has just been balling out since. It’s, as I said, a great organization. I definitely would not mind going over there for sure.’’
Tate is the prototypical player the Patriots go after in free agency. He is on the back end of his career, coming off a down season, and is still a productive player. He fills a huge need for the Pats, and has a ton of interest in venturing over to 1 Patriot Place. And after this interview, you can bet Julian Edelman will be recruiting Tate like crazy.
The price should be right for New England, assuming Tate wants a one to two year deal worth around five million a year. When free agency starts on March 14th at 4:00 P.M. est, look out for Golden Tate to potentially be the Patriots marquee signing.