Patriots reportedly showing interest in free-agent WR Golden Tate
Golden Tate, arguably the best receiver left in the NFL free agency market, is drawing interest from the Patriots.
DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 23: Golden Tate of the Detroit Lions makes a catch over Jonathan Jones of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Ford Field. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesDETROIT, MI - SEPTEMBER 23: Golden Tate of the Detroit Lions makes a catch over Jonathan Jones of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Ford Field. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Golden Tate is arguably the best receiver left in NFL free agency. He's always been a popular Patriots target. And according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Pats are actually showing interest in the veteran slot receiver.
The interest is mutual. Tate recently commented in an interview that he'd love to play for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick for a chance to win a Super Bowl. Rapoport said that the Steelers are also among the teams interested in Tate, and both teams showed interest in trading for him before the 2018 deadline.
Here's a video of Rapoport talking about the Patriots and Steelers' interest in Tate, via @ftbeard_17 on Twitter:
Tate caught 74 passes for 795 yards and 4 touchdowns in 15 games between the Lions and Eagles last season. He made at least 90 catches in the previous four seasons.
The Steelers are in the market for receivers after trading away Antonio Brown. They are reportedly signing ex-Jaguars wideout Donte Moncrief and bringing back Eli Rogers. It's unclear if those moves take them out of the running for Tate.
It goes without saying at this point that Tate would be a great fit for Brady and the receiver-needy Patriots offense. The Pats are also reportedly setting up visits with other free-agent receivers, including Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris. They also re-signed Phillip Dorsett to a one-year deal.
Tate is the fourth-best free agent available according to the official Sports Hub free agent rankings.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
