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There was some thought that the Philadelphia Eagles might do nothing prior to the 2018 NFL trade deadline.
Then, the Eagles surprisingly shipped a 2019 third-round pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for wide receiver Golden Tate. Some of the immediate reactions to this deal are mixed since the Eagles paid a significant price. But there are certainly reasons to like this move as well, including Tate’s ability to get yards after the catch.
Let’s take a look at what people are saying about the Eagles trading for Tate.
The @Eagles have acquired Golden Tate from the Lions for a 2019 3rd round pick.@ShowtimeTate has been among the best receivers creating yards after the catch, leading all WRs in total YAC (1528) and YAC Above Expectation (+296) since 2016.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/CEak01CUhY
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 30, 2018
Since entering the league in 2010, Golden Tate leads the NFL in yards after the catch (3,910) and his 581 receptions are the ninth-highest total in the league.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) October 30, 2018
Golden Tate ranks second among NFL wide receivers in yards after the catch per reception with 6.4. #Eagles
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) October 30, 2018
(Just behind Sammy Watkins at 6.5. Per PFF.)
2018 stats
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) October 30, 2018
Golden Tate: 44 recs, 517 yards, 3 TD — Eagles acquired for 3rd round pick
Demaryius Thomas: 36 recs, 402 yards, 3 TD — Texans acquired for 4th round pick and swap of 7ths
Amari Cooper: 22 recs, 280 yards, 1 TD — Cowboys acquired for 1st round pick
Golden Tate against the Cowboys earlier this season:
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) October 30, 2018
8 receptions for 132 yards, 2 TD.#Eagles
Golden Tate for a third >>>>>>> Amari Cooper for a first https://t.co/Sdbbql4iqi
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 30, 2018
It is *very* likely, in my opinion, that Philadelphia moves on from Nelson Agholor after this season. His 2019 cap hit (the fifth-year option) would be around $9.5M. If they can't bring that number down with an extension, they won't pay him that much money.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 30, 2018
Per @NextGenStats, Golden Tate has the seventh lowest Average Air Yards/Target, which measures how deep down the field Tate is targeted. Only WR with a lower number is Houston's Keke Coutee.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 30, 2018
You should expect a higher degree of packaged plays (RPOs) and half-field reads, in my opinion. Tate is a very quick separator who can uncover underneath. This will help Carson get the ball out quicker, if they deploy him as I imagine. https://t.co/qU0ItCk6Rt
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 30, 2018
Final opinion: there's a clear path wherein Eagles mishandle the Tate/Agholor contracts and the target distributions and this ends up being price-y. But also, Eagles offense got significantly better right now, which was always a goal of this deadline.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) October 30, 2018
Uhhhh.... Golden Tate for a 3rd is a way better deal than DT for a 4th.
— Joe Dolan (@FG_Dolan) October 30, 2018
Wow. Third rounder for what may be a short-term rental. Means Agholor or Tate will have to play outside, too, which I'm not sure is ideal. This hurts Tate's value quite a bit, I'd say. Crushes Agholor. Good for the Philly O, obviously. https://t.co/bJHCTBG8ZC
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) October 30, 2018
Golden Tate can also return punts, which will have some value in Philly. DeAndre Carter has been filling in for Darren Sproles.
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) October 30, 2018
Interesting deal by the Eagles. Hate to give up a 3rd, but do love adding a player who is so dangerous after the catch. Team needs more big plays to come on short/medium throws.
— Tommy Lawlor (@lawlornfl) October 30, 2018
If it’s a straight 3 for him, and no other details... Ew. https://t.co/rI9vyX8ERG
— Jimmy Kempski (@JimmyKempski) October 30, 2018
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) October 30, 2018
— Tyler Jackson (@TjackRH) October 30, 2018
— Tyler Jackson (@TjackRH) October 30, 2018