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Golden Tate signs five-year deal with Detroit Lions, Calvin Johnson finally has help
Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson has needed a complementary receiver for years.
Former Seahawks receiver Golden Tate will fill that role.
Tate, 25, signed a five-year deal worth $31 million ($13.25 million guaranteed) with Detroit on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson. More importantly, the Lions finally have a second legitimate receiving option to expand the Lions’ passing game.
Seattle selected Tate in the second-round of the 2010 NFL draft. Tate had 64 catches for 898 yards and five touchdowns for the Seahawks last season and was the team’s top receiver last season. Doug Baldwin was Seattle’s second-leading receiver with 50 receptions and 778 yards.
However, Percy Harvin is Seattle’s No. 1 receiving option, and Seattle was not going to pay top dollar for both players.
Detroit has been unable to find a premier receiver to ease Johnson’s burden for years. The Lions signed Nate Burleson in 2010, but he lacked explosiveness and was strictly a possession receiver. Detroit drafted Titus Young, but he was eventually released after numerous on and off-the-field issues, while Ryan Broyles has been unable to stay healthy.
In addition, Detroit used a first-round draft pick on tight end Brandon Pettigrew in 2009, but he failed to meet expectations and is currently a free agent. Tate has 2,195 yards and 15 touchdowns in his career.
Tate won a Super Bowl in Seattle last season, and can provide leadership for a Lions organization that has only been to the playoffs twice since 1999.
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is a writer for Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at NFLAnwar@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @AnwarRichardson
