The defending Super Bowl champions are losing one of their key passing game targets.
The Lions and Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate have reached a five-year contract, multiple media outlets reported Wednesday.
Tate told ESPN’s Josina Anderson that the contract is for $31.25 million and includes $13.25 million in guarantees.
DetroitLions.com first reported that the club had the makings of a deal with Tate, and ESPN first confirmed completion of the agreement.
Tate, 25, caught 64 passes for 898 yards and five touchdowns for Seattle in 2013. He was the No. 26 overall player and the No. 2 wide receiver on PFT’s Free Agent Hot 100.
Tate (5-10, 202) will be the primary complement to Lions go-to receiver Calvin Johnson in the Detroit passing game. The Lions have lacked consistent quality receiver play beyond Johnson in recent seasons. Veteran Nate Burleson, who was the most reliable wideout other than Johnson, was released earlier in the offseason.
Now, Tate will get his shot to fill the role opposite of Johnson, who draws considerable attention from opposing secondaries.