The clock is ticking and the Green Bay Packers have yet to sign an outside free agent this offseason. They have restructured players to get under the cap, signed Aaron Jones and are working on an Aaron Rodgers contract restructure, but the team’s biggest needs have gone ignored thus far. One of the minor needs for the Packers would be to sign a slot wide receiver. It appears Golden Tate would be interested in playing in Lambeau. However, this time he wants to be in Green and Gold.
Golden Tate Expresses Interest in Joining Packers
Mike Silver of Sports Illustrated was discussing the Packers and their lack of NFL Free Agency moves. He essentially made note of the Packers yet again not making moves to improve the team. While the key players in free agency are largely off the board, Silver suggested the Packers reach out to veterans like Golden Tate or Richard Sherman, who are impact players that can provide leadership.
Seeing the video, Tate expressed his interest in joining the Packers in a tweeted response, simply stating “I like what you are saying.”
Golden Tate Stats
Once one of the better slot wide receivers in the NFL, Tate has seen his stats dip in recent years. Battling injuries and frustrations with the New York Giants last season, Tate played in just 12 games, starting four. He totaled 35 catches for 388 yards and two touchdowns. This was his lowest yardage output since his rookie year, back in 2010.
Tate’s last 1,000-yard season came in 2017, when he was a member of the Detroit Lions. In four full seasons in Detroit, Tate totaled all three of his career 1,000-yard seasons.
Whether it be extra motivation or bad defense, Tate has always played the Packers tough. Across 10 career meetings, Tate has totaled 52 receptions for 655 yards and four touchdowns.
The Packers would not need or expect Tate to be anything close to a 1,000-yard receiver. However, he would give Aaron Rodgers another solid route-runner that thrives in the short-to-intermediate routes, but can also get behind the defense a couple times per game.
Should the Packers be picking up the phone for Golden Tate in free agency?