Patriots Gridiron News: Golden Tate has Patriots written all over him

Now that the New England Patriots are onto the offseason, it’s time to look at some potential free agents who could help keep this dynasty rolling.

With Julian Edelman being the only experienced wide receiver under contract for the New England Patriots, it is safe to say that Tom Brady will have a new collection of receivers to throw to in 2019.

While there is a chance Josh Gordon will be reinstated and then given another chance by the Patriots, the only other receiver to get excited about is last year’s sixth-round draft pick Braxton Berrios who didn’t play at all last season.

Sure, there is the 2019 NFL Draft, but the Patriots draft recent draft record when it comes to receivers hasn’t been that great.  That does leave free agency where there are a few guys who can come in and become a main target for Brady.  One of those potential players is veteran wide receiver Golden Tate.

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During the NFL Trade Deadline, the New England Patriots made it known they did have interest, losing out to the Philadelphia Eagles.  Now, Tate has expressed some interest in signing an extension with the Eagles, but executive vice president of football operations Howie Roseman hasn’t given any suggestion that Philadelphia will go that route given what they have available in cap space.

That could leave the 30-year-old Tate free to sign with another team.  With the need the Patriots have at the position, a short-term marriage between the two sides could be the perfect union.  The defending Super Bowl champions certainly think so, especially since they reportedly offered a third-round pick for Golden Tate.

Decrease in production, decrease in value?

With  74 receptions for 795 yards with both the Detroit Lions and Eagles in 2018, the veteran receiver can still be a huge contributor on a winning team.  What better opportunity for that than catching the ball from Tom Brady.  His slight decline in production also means he should be affordable for the Patriots if he is truly about winning at this point in his career.

Following the Eagles’ divisional-round loss to the New Orleans Saints, Tate said he desire is to play for a Super Bowl contender.

"“I want to get back to going deep in the playoffs and winning Super Bowls,” Tate said, via NBC Sports Philadelphia.  “In Detroit, I’ve had a bunch of really great stats but no playoff wins.  I know what talent I have and I know what I bring to the table, but at the end of the day, it’s about winning playoff games and getting to Super Bowls.”"

It certainly sounds like Golden Tate is ready to do whatever it takes to win, including stepping back as a No. 2 receiver.

With a projected market value of $10.2 million, he would more than likely have to take less to play in New England for a chance to win a Super Bowl.  If the Patriots are going to spend that kind of money on a receiver, it would likely be a longer deal of top wide receiver free agent Adam Humphries.

In all, while the New England Patriots do need to restock at the wide receiver position, Golden Tate will only be an option if his price comes down.  Otherwise, he is the player who makes the most sense and a veteran who would fit in, especially with a full training camp and preseason to form chemistry with Tom Brady.