The New England Patriots have yet to make a big splash in NFL free agency, but could that change with Golden Tate?
The veteran wide receiver is the best free agent available at the position, and according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have interest in the 30-year-old star.
Patriots & Steelers interested in Golden Tate, according to @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/D2wkZfY8zQ — #NobodyDied (@ftbeard_17) March 14, 2019
The Patriots reportedly made an offer for Tate last season before the trade deadline. The Detroit Lions ended up dealing him to the Philadelphia Eagles instead.
Tate tallied 74 receptions for 795 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games (seven for the Lions, eight for the Eagles) last season. He also had a streak of four consecutive seasons with 90 or more catches from 2014 through 2017. Tate was one of the Seattle Seahawks' best receivers during their Super Bowl XLVIII championship season.
The Patriots certainly need an upgrade at wide receiver. They reportedly brought back Phillip Dorsett on a one-year deal, but Cordarrelle Patterson left for the Chicago Bears in free agency and Chris Hogan also is a free agent and is reportedly drawing interest from the Giants. We still don't know if suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon will be able to play next season.
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New England made a play for free-agent wideout Adam Humphries but reportedly was outbid by the Tennessee Titans.
The team is reportedly hosting free agent wide receivers Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris on Thursday.
Tate certainly would be a huge addition for the Patriots offense and give quarterback Tom Brady another reliable target in the passing game.
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