Golden Tate Trade: Eagles acquire Lions wide receiver in exchange for draft pick

Well, the Philadelphia Eagles did NOT sit tight prior to the 2018 NFL trade deadline! The reigning Super Bowl champions have acquired Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, according to an official announcement from the team.

Tate, who turned 30 in August, is coming off two consecutive 1,000-plus yard receiving seasons with the Lions. Through seven games this year, Tate has 44 receptions for 517 yards (11.8 average) and three touchdowns.

The Eagles were in need of another offensive weapon given their lacking production on that side of the ball. Philadelphia ranks tied for 19th in offensive points this season with just 22 per game.

A third-round pick for Tate is a significant cost for a rental. The veteran pass catcher is set to be a free agent after this season. It’s possible the Eagles could re-sign him, but Philadelphia might just opt to let him walk and hope he signs a big contract with another team in order to acquire a 2020 compensatory draft pick.

Howie Roseman’s aggression to acquire Tate clearly shows he’s still all in on the 2018 season. The Eagles are still alive in the NFC East with a 4-4 record, though they do trail the division-leading Washington Redskins, who are 5-2.

It’ll be interesting to see how Tate fits in Philadelphia’s offense. He has experience playing in the slot, which is a role usually occupied by Nelson Agholor. Either Agholor or Tate is going to see more of an outside role now. The Eagles also still have Alshon Jeffery, Jordan Matthews, Shelton Gibson, and DeAndre Carter on the 53-man roster. Mack Hollins and Mike Wallace are also eligible to be activated off injured reserve in November.

Whether you like the trade or not, the deal is done and Tate is an Eagle. Stay tuned for more coverage on this big move.