:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61964095/1052707126.jpg.0.jpg)
It turns out where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Detroit Lions have traded Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick.
Detroit is trading WR Golden Tate to the Philadelphia Eagles for a third-round pick, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2018
Tate has already responded to the trade, essentially confirming the move.
It’s been real DETROIT! I’ll love ya forever. Philly Philly let’s get it!!
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) October 30, 2018
This is a shocking move for the Lions seeing as Tate has been an absolutely essential part of the offense since the team acquired him five years ago. In 71 games, Tate had 416 catches, 4741 yards and 22 touchdowns, including four straight seasons with 90+ catches and three seasons with at least 1,000 yards.
The Lions will have to drastically change their outlook of their offense without Tate. Hopefully the rise of a running game and Kerryon Johnson will help, along with the emergence of Kenny Golladay as a receiver. The Lions will also have to promote either Brandon Powell or TJ Jones to a bigger role with the offense—the two have combined for just three catches on the year.