(WXYZ) -- As far as Golden Tate's concerned, signing Matthew Stafford to a long-term contract extension should be a top priority for the Lions.
"I think it's imperative," Tate said Friday on NFL Network. "I think you have to lock him up ASAP, and don't even leave a chance that he ends up on the free agency market."
Stafford is entering the final year of his current contract, and is set to make $16.5 million in 2017.
"He is an excellent athlete, a great leader in the locker room, and with some help, the guy is one of the best in the league," said Tate. "I'm a strong believer in Matt. I hope I have the chance to play with him the rest of my career, hopefully here in Detroit, but they've gotta get that done ASAP. He deserves it."
