Free agency has officially started and Golden Tate is without a contract. The wide receiver was hoping to return to the Seattle Seahawks for the long-term. He even expressed his willingness to take a pay cut with his next contract hoping that would entice the team to keep him around. However, the Seahawks will let Tate test his worth before considering bring back the wide receiver.
Seattle has just signed Michael Bennett to a four-year, $28.5 million contract on Monday. The defensive star was a team priority and with that deal out of the way, is Tate next? ProFootballTalk.com reports the Seahawks appear to be in waiting mode with Tate, seeing if another team makes an offer before ramping up negotiations. The market has already been set for receivers who are not a No. 1 guy. Riley Cooper signed a five-year, $25 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, setting the bar for what Tate can earn.
The wide receiver took to Twitter to give a free agency update. Tate tweeted out, "things are starting to heat up." Could that mean multiple teams are starting to call about interest now that he is on the market? Tate will certainly have some teams looking for his services. A number of franchises are currently searching a reliable No. 2 guy to pair with a super star. But Tate has also shown he has the potential to be a top receiver after a few strong years in Seattle.
The New England Patriots could be very interested in Tate. Right now, the team is busy making a decision regarding both Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman. One receiver will stay and one will go, leaving New England shorthanded. Tate will come at a decent price, but will not break the bank like others. He would do well with Tom Brady after putting up 898 receiving yards on 64 catches.
The New York Jets are looking for a wide receiver to help out. The team just released Santonio Holmes to the free agent market and are looking for someone much younger and faster. Tate fits the mold, but will not be enough to help out rookie Geno Smith. New York will need more than just Tate to get the offense moving again.
The Detroit Lions could also be in play for the receiver. Calvin Johnson is the team super star, but behind him is the ofter-injured Ryan Broyles. Nate Burleson was released. Tate could step in and run in stride with Johnson.
Do not rule out a return to Seattle. The Seahawks need a wide receiver and with Bennett's contract finished, Tate could find himself back in high demand with the team.