Report: Lions were nearing extension with Tate before trading him to Eagles

The Detroit Lions were close to signing pending free-agent wide receiver Golden Tate to a contract extension before trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The extension would have been a long-term deal for Tate, who said he felt an agreement was close, Rapoport adds.

Tate spent the past five years with the Lions after signing a five-year, $31-million contract ahead of the 2014 season. He recorded 4,741 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns for Detroit on 416 catches.

The Eagles sent a third-round pick to the Lions in exchange for the former Pro Bowler.