New Orleans Saints should pursue Golden Tate in free agency

The New Orleans Saints lack a true veteran wide-receiver. Instead of pursuing Antonio Brown, the team should work on signing Golden Tate.

The 2019 New Orleans Saints have a chance at greatness. After getting close in 2018, the team was once again stopped short. However, it seems like they’re even hungrier this year. With a perfect mix of veteran and young guys, the Saints are one of the most promising teams in the NFL. That doesn’t mean they’re fully prepared, though.

Many argue that the Saints need to work on beefing up their defense during free agency. However, the draft is coming up and that might be a better situation. Instead, the team should focus on finding another top receiver to team up with Michael Thomas. Since the loss of Brandin Cooks, the team is been relying mostly on Thomas.

Instead of waiting to draft one, the Saints should look for a wide receiver in free agency. Some of the biggest names in football are free agents this year. One of the most talked-about names is Antonio Brown. Brown requested a trade from the Steelers and it seems like he’s getting his wish. However, it’s unclear where Brown will end up.

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Some have pointed to the Saints as a landing spot. Personally, I don’t think Brown is a good fit with the team. Most notably, the team doesn’t have a first-round pick to give up. There’s no doubt the Steelers want a first-round pick for AB. The Saints also already have a superstar wide receiver on their roster and aren’t looking to add another. Lastly, the Saints don’t need Brown as much as another team does.

Instead, the Saints should stay away from the big names and focus on someone a little bit more underrated. Pursuing Golden Tate is a much better option than Brown and he would be a better fit for the Saints. The Saints have lacked a veteran wide-receiver and Tate fits the bill. He’s been with multiple teams, but has yet to win a ring and he could get that with the Saints.

Unlike Brown, Tate isn’t really a superstar. He’s been a stand-out guy on the teams he’s been with, but never truly broke out. He’s also never had Drew Brees throwing to him either, so that adds another layer to his production. Tate didn’t really live up to the hype in Philly after arriving there ahead of the 2018 trade deadline, but he could find a home in New Orleans.

Another aspect that separates him from Brown is money. While Brown will be seeking a mega-contract, Tate will be with his third team since beginning his career. Tate does deserve a good contract, but nothing compared to what AB will get. Tate is a relatively cheap option for the Saints and could be every bit as impactful. If there’s one team Tate has played amazingly against, it’s the New Orleans Saints. Just imagine how powerful they would be with Tate on the team.

Bottom line, it will come down to how much the Saints are willing to pay Tate. He’s still a hot commodity. Not as hot as AB, but a lot of teams would love to have Tate on their roster. With Bryant getting injured, the Saints need to move on and find someone new. Targeting Tate is a good option for them and a lot smarter than trying to get Antonio Brown.