Golden Tate believes Lions are headed in the right direction

When the Detroit Lions decided to move Golden Tate at the trade deadline, it was a tough pill for everyone to swallow. Fans knew this was likely a throwing in of the towel for the 2018 season. Players knew they lost a big personality and friend in the locker room. And the coaches admitted it was a tough decision to make.

Tate went on to make a few key plays to help the Philadelphia Eagles into the second round of the playoffs but his new squad made it no further.

Now with the New York Giants, Tate looks at the Lions organization as one doing things the right way. Here’s what Tate had to say on the “RapSheet and Friends” podcast when Ian Rapoport asked him if he believed the Lions were headed in the right direction.

“Yeah, I do. I really do.” Tate said. “I think they have some incredible pieces over there as well.”

Throughout Tate’s four and a half seasons with Detroit, the Lions amassed a 39-32 record. Obviously, things took a big turn for the worse once Tate was traded, as Detroit lost six of their final nine games of the 2018 season.

Still, Tate is confident in Detroit largely due to their young talent brought in through good drafting.

“They’ve got some great, young talent that’s coming in,” Tate said. “They seem to be drafting the right way over the last few years that I was there. I definitely believe in them.”

Detroit brought in Danny Amendola to replace Tate in the slot position, but he’ll have some big shoes to fill. From 2014-17, Tate pulled in at least 90 receptions and crossed over 1,000 yards in three of those four seasons. The Lions won’t be asking Amendola to put up that kind of production, especially with their investments in the tight end position this offseason. Still, in Amendola’s best season, he pulled in 85 catches for 689 yards... and that was nine years ago.

Regardless, Tate thinks they’re close and holds no ill will towards them after the trade... even though the two teams will face off in Week 8.

“I definitely think they’re right there. I wish them nothing but the best.”