As Detroit Lions go, Golden Tate was beloved by fans. And for good reason: He was most consistent receiver on a team that was hardly consistent.
So, the trade to Philly is not a happy moment in Lions-land. Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News writes:
One thing is abundantly clear in this fledgling Lions regime – they’re realists, not romantics.
Golden Tate was as productive and popular as any Lion, and played with engaging passion for four-and-a-half-seasons here. Yet from a business and team-building standpoint, it made sense for GM Bob Quinn to trade him to the Eagles for a third-round pick Tuesday. From an in-the-moment competitive standpoint, it stinks.
I suspect it stinks for a lot of Lions fans, and probably stings for some Lions players. Tate was Matthew Stafford’s most consistent target, a marvel scooting for yards after the catch.
