Golden Parachute: The Dynasty Fallout from Golden Tate to the Giants
In an what can only be described as an odd turn of events, the New York Giants went from apparent season tankers after trading star receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. to the Browns to a team looking to possibly compete by adding veteran receiver Golden Tate and signing him to a four-year, $37.5 million deal that includes a robust $23 million fully guaranteed.
Say what!?!
It’s been an odd week in New York to say the least. After the backlash of fans post-Beckham trade, it’s quite possible this signing is a knee jerk reaction for some front office folks to attempt to save face and maybe even their jobs. The 30-year-old Tate just doesn’t seem to fit the long-term plan since the Giants will likely be taking the heir apparent to Eli Manning in this year’s NFL Draft and building around that draft pick and Saquon Barkley. However, it’s clear nobody really understands exactly what the long term plan is at the moment.
Regardless, this move has a pretty sizable impact on some dynasty players. Let’s take a look at those whose values are affected by the move.
Golden Tate, WR NYG
After leaving Seattle, Tate was incredibly productive during his five-year run in Detroit. In fact, he recorded four straight seasons with at least 90 catches and posted a WR1-like 99 receptions for 1,331 receiving yards in 2014. Over his 15 games between Detroit and Philadelphia last season, Tate posted 71 catches for 805 yards and four scores. While Tate is never going to be the type of touchdown threat Odell Beckham is (he has 38 touchdowns in nine seasons, while Odell has 44 in just five), he’s a great slot weapon and PPR producing machine. Ironically, Tate is credited with the most missed tackles after the catch in the NFL last season, while Beckham finished second.
[am4show have=’g1;’ guest_error=’sub_message’ user_error=’sub_message’ ]
Tate will step into a starting job right away and compete with Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram for targets. It wouldn’t be surprising at all to see him lead the Giants receiving corps in catches next season. The kicker here is going to be the quarterback play. If Eli Manning can produce a good season, Tate will be on the radar as a low-end PPR WR2. If he can’t and the reigns are handed over to a rookie, all bets are off. Regardless, Tate should actually get a bit of an ADP boost as a result of the signing. It will be interesting to see just how the Giants use him. Shepard was used out of the slot a ton last year. Will they use Tate or Shepard there more? PPR minds certainly want to know.
Sterling Shepard, WR NYG
Well, that was fun. Shepard was the unquestioned WR1 in New York for about 48 hours. With Tate in the fold, Shepard doesn’t quite have the ceiling he would have if the Giants would have used one of their first round picks on a rookie or signed a lesser free agent. He’s still primed for a breakout season in a contract year, but his ceiling was just lowered a tad. His ADP will still rise a touch in the coming months, but it won’t skyrocket with Tate on the roster.
Evan Engram, TE NYG
The targets are going to be distributed in a little different fashion with Tate in the fold. However, Eli Manning has attempted between 550 and 600 passes in each of the past six seasons, so there should be enough to go around for all three of these pass catchers and Saquon Barkley as well. With Beckham out of the picture, Engram is poised to have a big season. While it’s going to take a lot for him to join the truly elite at the position, he’s one of a precious few tight ends with a legitimate shot to do just that.
Corey Coleman, WR NYG
Believe it or not, Coleman is still in the mix to be on the field in three wide sets. However, there’s a long way to go until we hit September and the Giants are sure to add more talent through the draft or free agency. The former first rounder just hasn’t been that impressive and is pretty far off the dynasty radar. It looked like he’d have a path to playing time, but the signing of Tate likely squashes that.
Eli Manning, QB NYG
While the natives are getting restless, many are overlooking the fact Manning actually had a pretty good season last year. His interception total of 11 was his best since 2008, his completion percentage of 66% was the best of his career and while his touchdown total of 21 isn’t anything to write home about, he still threw for 4,299 yards. With Tate, Shepard, Ingram and Barkley, the Giants are simply not bad enough on offense to truly tank the season and be in line for someone like Jake Fromm, Tua Tagovailoa or Justin Herbert. If they’re looking for a quarterback, they may have to seriously consider the next player on this list. Manning should start under center and be there until he has a few poor games if they do indeed draft his heir apparent. With everything in flux with the Giants, it’s really best for dynasty owners to look elsewhere for their QB2.
Dwayne Haskins, QB OSU
With Kyler Murray seemingly a lock to be off the board to the Cardinals at number one overall, Haskins is clearly going to be in play for the Giants in round one at pick #6. There are some very interesting variables at play here, though. The Cardinals will likely trade Josh Rosen if they do indeed take Murray (though they really don’t have to with his contract) and the Giants and Dolphins could both be interested. The Dolphins also hold pick #13 in the upcoming draft. Do they attempt to package that pick and possibly a future first round pick to jump the Giants and take Haskins or do they sit back and take someone like Drew Lock? Imagine the chaos in New York if the Giants don’t get Haskins or Murray, then play just well enough to be out of the running again for the top signal callers in next year’s draft. Regardless, whichever young quarterback lands in New York will have a decent supporting cast, regardless of what Shepard does as a free agent after the season. In short, there are worse situations out there for a young signal caller.
Saquon Barkley, RB NYG
Barkley was as advertised last year as he posted 1,307 rushing yards, 91 catches, 721 receiving yards and scored 15 touchdowns as a rookie. It’s logical to think the addition of Tate could help take some pressure off him. However, the Giants gave him the ball over 350 times last year and are clearly going to ride Barkley as far as he can take them regardless of they have at receiver – hopefully they don’t wear him out before they can contend again.
[/am4show]
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
- Dynasty Running Back Danger Rankings: 8-1 - April 25, 2024
- 2024 Rookie Bust Mock Draft (Pre-Draft Edition): Round Three - April 24, 2024
- 2024 Rookie Bust Mock Draft (Pre-Draft Edition): Round Two - April 21, 2024
