I have seen numerous media reporters and forum posters talk of cutting WR Golden Tate this offseason. He is a $10 million hit against the cap in 2021 which is the fourth highest cap hit on the Giants as reported on Spotrac.com. I believe Tate has performed well this season and is a valuable part of the Giants offense. Tate’s average yearly salary ranks 23rd among wide receivers and less than Sterling Shepard‘s average salary.
In 2020 Golden Tate was tops on the Giants in 3rd/4th down conversion percentage among wide receivers. He ranks 22nd in the league among wide receivers with ten or more 3rd/4th down targets. Of those top 22 receivers he has the eighth most 3rd/4th down targets.
In 2020 Tate was twelfth in the league in 3rd down receiving conversion percentage among wide receivers with 58.3% of his third down targets making first down for receivers with 10+ third down targets. Of the eleven receivers ahead of him, Tate had the fourth most 3rd down targets, His third down conversion rate was tops among Giant receivers. Tate’s third down targets was 46th most in the league. On the Giants only wide receiver Sterling Shepard had more 3rd down targets and that by only one more. Consider that Tate had the lowest snap count among the top three wide receivers. He had half of Slayton’s snaps and 14% less than Shepard. One could argue on a per snap basis Tate led the Giant wide receivers in third down targets and conversion rate.
He is a Giant clutch player in making first down on 3rd and 4th down attempts. In addition his performance on those downs ranks relatively high in the league. That is the type of player you want on your team. His contract is not up this year and I hope the Giants leave a good situation alone.
