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While the New York Giants made the release of wide receiver Golden Tate official on Thursday, news of the two parties going their separate ways emerged a day prior. Upon the initial news surfacing, the now-free agent wideout took to Twitter to say his goodbyes to Giants Nation.
Despite an elongated history of former players being miffed with Dave Gettleman‘s handling of veteran roster cuts, as well as a rocky final year in New York from Tate’s perspective, the veteran pass-catcher offered up nothing but praise for the organization, his teammates and the Giants fanbase in a classy sendoff.
I appreciate the conversations and professionalism the Giants management showed me earlier today. Always a class act organization from start to finish. Your respect means the world to me and my family.
To my teammates, I’ll value each and every relationship I’ve built over the last two seasons forever. Such a fun, gritty group of dudes to be around. Y’all go own the NFC East (unless I’m in the division).
To Giants fans, man did I have fun playing for y’all. Won a Super Bowl at MetLife, and you guys only added to those great memories.
Business is business. I’m excited to help my next team and go get another ring. God is good. I trust his plan I’m thankful to be healthy and eager to see where he’ll take my family and I. Looking forward to next season. Leggo! Thank you, NYC!
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Tate’s Whirlwind Tenure in New York
Tate, 32, initially signed with the Giants in 2019 as a way to help counteract the loss of production from dealing Odell Beckham Jr. to the Browns. While the former second-round pick may have not lived up to his $23 million guaranteed contract – especially in 2020 – he had his moments.
Over his two-year stint in East Rutherford, Tate appeared in 23 games with 14 starts. His 84 receptions and 1,064 receiving yards over that span ranked third amongst all Giants receivers. Furthermore, his eight touchdown receptions were second to only Darius Slayton’s 11.
Of course, that’s far from the entire story. Tate kicked off his Giants tenure with a four-game suspension after a positive PED test. In 2020, he fell out of favor under a new coaching regime. The former Pro Bowler appeared in 12 games overall, drawing just four starts. He missed numerous games due to hamstring and calf injuries. He was also a healthy scratch (coach’s decision) for a Nov. 8 game at Washington following an outburst over his lack of usage. To add to the whirlwind season, the wideout was involved in a Week 4 postgame fight with Los Angeles Rams star Jalen Ramsey as tension involving Tate’s sister boiled over.
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Tate’s Market Moving Forward
Despite his age and lack of production in 2020 (35 receptions, 388 yards) expect Tate to receive some interest on the open market. No, he won’t yield a deal remotely close to the one he landed with the Giants two offseasons ago. Still, he’s a quality slot option, who is one of the league’s most lethal playmakers with the ball in his hands – arguably ever.
Since entering the league in 2010, Tate is tied with Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Antonio Brown in yards after catch with 4,248 yards.
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