Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
“My time is limited. I want to go to a team that has a chance. I don’t want to go to somewhere that’s trying to rebuild…. I want to win now.”
-Golden Tate in January, speaking about his upcoming free agency.
Flash forward two months and the 30-year-old signs with a team who went 5-11 last season, gave up their most electric player, and whose roster construction is an absolute mess.
The Patriots have a reputation of letting the other 31 teams shoot their loads during free agency while they let the dust settle and mechanically and rarely glamorously add pieces to their roster. Thursday reports indicate that the New England signed five players Thursday.
Sexy signings? Far from it. They brought on former Jets defensive tackle Mike Pennel and safety Terrence Brooks, wide receivers Bruce Ellington and Maurice Harris and Broncos tight end Matt LaCosse.
At this point, Patriots Nation knows better than to question their Sith Lord, and have acquired an “In Bill We Trust” attitude. With that said, with the exception of the Michael Bennett signing, Massholes are chomping at the bit to acquire a big name. Or just someone they could identify out of a lineup.
As the free agency deadline neared, Patriots fans were all but convinced Golden Tate would be their newest shiny toy. The enthusiasm was palpable…
https://twitter.com/PrimeGilmore/status/1105987072849076224
https://twitter.com/SavageBoston/status/1105945025396047872
@Patriots @ShowtimeTate pls guys. pic.twitter.com/lN4aXLqZbM
— 'Demonbreed' (@IA_MDouil) March 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/Cyle_Maidment/status/1106255422040801281
https://twitter.com/bradysixrings/status/1105268778013741056
https://twitter.com/BrettPats/status/1105672973850238976
When 4 pm hits, I believe Golden Tate will be a member of the New England Patriots, signing a 3 year deal 👀
— Mac (@patsfan10123) March 13, 2019
Guys I really want Golden Tate
— Boston Diehards (@Boston_Diehards) March 13, 2019
GOLDEN TATE IS A PATRIOT
— BrycenNFL 👑 (@BrycenNFL) March 14, 2019
https://twitter.com/ThePatsHole/status/1105912666349076480
Welp, Golden Tate, a man who claimed he was hungry to win, went to an organization who was 5-11 last year and shows no sign of knowing what the fuck they’re doing.
All of Boston’s reaction can be summed up in one short clip:
Golden Tate to the Giants pic.twitter.com/G1IJYYtOa5
— Boston Diehards (@Boston_Diehards) March 14, 2019
Thought and prayers out to Patriots Nation.