If there is a debate, it's about the cost. The signing bonus is a lot, and the Lions should have more room in free agency to make moves, but don't because of Ndamukong Suh's contract, which has become an albatross hanging around the franchise's collective neck.

Golden Tate: Career on the upswing

But there are more upsides than down ones regarding signing Tate. He is faster than the vast majority of NFL wide receivers. He ran a 4.42 at the scouting combine in 2010, and hasn't lost his speed. He does make big plays and is a fluid athlete, who was once a terrific baseball player. He rarely drops passes. I look at him as a faster and younger version of the Nate Burleson the Lions acquired a couple years ago. The one difference is Tate's career is on the upswing, not the downside. His signing does give the Lions more flexibility in the draft, too. They don't have to take a wide receiver early now. It opens the door for them to seriously consider North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron, a superior prospect, in the first round, or help on defense, depending on which playmaker falls to 10th overall (Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert would be ideal).