Tate doesn't expect to be traded by Lions

Showtime Tate wants to stay in the Motown state.

Detroit Lions receiver Golden Tate has heard his name mentioned in rumors ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline.

"I don't think they're going to trade me. If they do, I'll be surprised but it's a business so I guess we got a few hours. A few hours and we'll see," Tate said to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

"I expect to be here and I want to be here. But we'll see."

Tate is in the final season of a five-year, $31-million deal he signed with the Lions in 2014. The nine-year veteran leads Detroit in receptions (44) and receiving yards (517) this season and also has three touchdowns.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the New England Patriots have expressed interest in the receiver. Colleague Tom Pelissero added that the Lions would seek "a mid-round pick" in any deal for the 30-year-old.

Tate responded personally to Rapoport's report.