Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) smiles before the game with the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions went out and got Matthew Stafford a new toy by signing wide receiver Golden Tate in free agency. The team is only one day into their volunatry minicamp but there are already encouraging signs that it won’t take much time for Stafford and Tate to develop a little chemistry.

Via DetroitLions.com:

Caldwell told media members after Tuesday’s practice he can already see a rapport between quarterback Matthew Stafford and his new receiving weapon Golden Tate. “Matthew is certainly getting a good feel for Golden,” Caldwell said. “Those two I think are going to function well.”

Tate is probably an easy guy to develop a rapport with considering he has one of the NFL’s best drop rates. Now he gets to play in an offense that makes more use of the passing game, an important factor in him deciding to leave the Seahawks for the Lions:

“I watched some tape on the Saints over the last few years and just looking at that – I haven’t talked to coach Lombardi that much – I see myself being a Lance Moore type of player, but just more explosive and able to do a few more things,” Tate said. “That’s exciting, because Lance Moore caught a lot of balls and he’s a terrific player that did a lot for the Saints. “That’s kind of how I see myself having the best receiver in the league [Calvin Johnson], and one of the best to ever to play the game, opposite of me or sometimes on the same side.”

Tate has increased his reception and receiving yards totals in each of his four years in the NFL. Expect him to make that five next season.