As a whole, the Seattle Seahawks are focused on the Super Bowl. However, when the big game is over, win or lose, the team has 14 players set to become unrestricted free agents. After making it to the big game, all of them will want pay raises. Wide receiver Golden Tate is one of those 14 players and while he is not dwelling on his contract status, he is hoping to return in 2014.
Tate was one of the receivers in a standout unit for the Seahawks this season. He had a team-high 898 yards off 64 catches. He also spent time as a punt returner, putting up 585 yards on 51 attempts, ranking him ninth in the NFL in that category. Tate will be looking for a long-term pay raise and hopes it is with Seattle.
"I would really like to stay,'' Tate said, via the Seattle Times. "It's a great city, a great group of guys. From top to bottom, I can't say enough great things about Seattle. The coaching staff is one of a kind. The nutritionist, the trainers, the city, the food, the stadium, everything is just great. I really would like to stay here. But we'll see. Only time will tell."
Tate was sure to stress that right now his upcoming free agency is not the priority. He is simply focused on trying to win a Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos on Sunday. But after that, his contract becomes the No. 1 thing on the to-do list.
"There's been guys that played 20 years that haven't even gone to the playoffs," Tate said. "I feel like it would be selfish for me to be thinking about my future and that would be taking away from this team."
This issue is not whether Seattle wants to keep Tate, but whether or not they can afford him. The team acquired Percy Harvin in the offseason for a large contract. The Seahawks have a lot invested in Harvin and despite his injury-riddled season, his return for the Super Bowl complicates Tate's situation.
"I think I can be as explosive as I've ever been,'' Harvin said. "My legs are feeling great. I am finally able to get drive in my legs that I need to come out of my breaks a little quicker than I was before the (concussion). So I definitely think I can be a factor in this game.''
There is also the contract of Russell Wilson. The quarterback could be searching for a pay raise after leading his team to the playoffs last year and the Super Bowl this season. Richard Sherman is playing on an expiring deal. Earl Thomas is in the same boat. Tate could find himself pretty low on the list as far as negotiation appointments go.
