http://www.espn.com/blog/detroit-li...ions-as-one-of-best-receivers-in-team-history
Golden Tate departs as one of best receivers in Lions' history.
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The Lions' trade of Golden Tate should raise some concerns of how strong the franchise believes it can compete for a playoff berth this season. By trading the franchise's most consistent receiver and a sure-handed option for Matthew Stafford, it changes the dynamic of the offense. It also puts a lot of pressure on who replaces Tate, either veteran TJ Jones or rookie Brandon Powell, who was active for the first time Sunday primarily as a returner. The undrafted free agent from Florida was kept on the roster as a possible long-term replacement for Tate, who is in the final year of his contract. Now, it appears that time could come much quicker than expected.
The Eagles are successfully exploiting the compensatory pick system in trading a 2019 third-rounder for Golden Tate. Philadelphia probably won't re-sign Tate after the year, but given their cap situation, they're also likely going to sit out free agency. Doing so will net them a comp pick for Tate in the 2020 draft, one which will most likely come in the fourth round. The Lions have $36 million in cap space and major holes on defense, so they're far more likely to spend in free agency this offseason, which would have blocked them from getting a comp pick for Tate.
With Golden Tate now in Philadelphia, Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr. (who leads the league in end zone targets) are well-positioned for an uptick in usage and Top 20 fantasy production moving forward. Golladay could be on the verge of a major breakout and sports elite upside. Tate, meanwhile, will see a dip in targets in Philly, but he and touchdown machine Alshon Jeffery are both viable WR2 options. Nelson Agholor takes the biggest hit and shouldn't be in fantasy lineups. Zach Ertz's target share will drop a bit, but he should remain close to his 2017 usage, which allowed him a TE3 finish in fantasy.
A key benefit for Golden Tate following his trade to the Eagles is the upgrade in schedule: the Lions had the worst rest-of-year schedule for wide receivers using my Matchups Map grades, the Eagles 26th, with the difference amounting to roughly 1.5 points' boost per game.
That said, Golden Tate will now have been on the Lions' and Eagles' rosters during their bye weeks ? this week is the Eagles' bye and the Lions' was in Week 6 ? so the lost game as a result of the trade will be a frustration to his fantasy managers.
Golden Tate's versatility and route running can be highlighted in the Eagles offense. Tate will be a middle of the field target for Carson Wentz, and his ability to run after the catch allows him to create explosive plays on high-percentage throws. Think quick passing game, targets off RPO concepts and the inside verticals with Tate.
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