The Seattle Seahawks lost one of the first acquisitions of the Pete Carroll-John Schneider era when unrestricted free-agent wide receiver Golden Tate reportedly agreed to terms on a five-year deal with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday. DetroitLions.com writer Tim Twentyman first broke the news on Twitter, while Josina Anderson of ESPN reported the particulars of the deal as $31 million over five years, with $13.25 million in guaranteed money.

After leading the Hawks in receptions last season, Tate will play sidekick to three-time All-Pro wide receiver Calvin “Megatron” Johnson in Detroit. The Lions undoubtedly hope Tate will provide quarterback Matthew Stafford with a consistent receiving threat opposite Johnson, an unfilled need for nearly all of his seven-year NFL career.

The Seahawks selected Tate, 25, in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft (No. 60 overall). A highly touted prospect coming out of Notre Dame, Tate won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top college receiver in 2009 and left as the storied program’s career leader in receiving yards.

The Tennessee native struggled early in his Seattle career, starting just five games through his first two professional seasons, but things began to change after the team drafted Russell Wilson in 2012. Tate caught a then career-high 45 passes for 688 yards and 7 touchdowns that season, including the infamous Week 3 “Fail Mary” score as time expired that gave the Hawks a controversial win over the Green Bay Pakckers and all but ended the NFL’s labor lockout with officials.

Tate’s numbers were even better in 2013, when he emerged as Wilson’s most dependable target, catching a team-leading 64 balls for 898 yards and 5 scores. He also staked his claim as one of the league’s most dangerous punt returners, with his 11.5 yards per return ranking third among players with at least 30 attempts.

Tate Tweeted after agreeing to the deal:

Wow I’m officially a Detroit #Lion. Extremely excited about the opportunity to grow with this organization. — Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 12, 2014

However Seattle I am extremely thankful for the support and love the city has given me over the past 4 years. It’s tough to leave such a — Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 12, 2014

Great place. I appreciate everything the city, coaches, and teammates have done for me. I will always value how great seattle was to me — Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 12, 2014

His former teammates also reacted on Twitter (Note: Calvin Johnson wears No. 81, Tate’s jersey number with the Seahawks):

@ShowtimeTate congrats big dog!!!! I know u not wearing 81 no more lol — Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 12, 2014

@ShowtimeTate As my brother and family I am happy you got the respect you deserve. Our room ain’t gonna be the same. Get yours fam! — Doug Baldwin Jr (@DougBaldwinJr) March 12, 2014

@ShowtimeTate CONGRATS bro on the new deal! I remember when you was a pup in this league now you PAID! Lol stay humble & keep grindin — Michael Robinson (@RealMikeRob) March 12, 2014

Excited for my boy @ShowtimeTate Hard work pays off and so does blocking in the run game. Ahahah. Congrats GT #goandgetthatballgoldentate — Breno Giacomini (@68Breno) March 12, 2014

@ShowtimeTate salute fam … Much love and we’ll deserved…. — Percy Harvin (@Percy_Harvin) March 12, 2014

Congrats to one of my very good friends @ShowtimeTate . Hate to see you go but I’m happy for you bro. For sure gonna do BIG things! — Jermaine Kearse (@chopchop_15) March 12, 2014

Visit seattlepi.com for more Seattle news. Contact reporter Stephen Cohen at stephencohen@seattlepi.com or @scohencopy.