ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- When Golden Tate showed up as a free agent with the Detroit Lions, he knew the team's coaches had a plan for how they wanted to use the receiver and punt returner.

And early during the team's organized team activities period, Tate said he asked about potentially returning punts but was told the team had a strategy for him.

"So far, it's been working out nicely, so I don't question it," Tate said.

It has. It led to a 99-catch, 1,331-yard season for Tate, career-highs in both categories. Throughout the season, though, Lions coach Jim Caldwell has been asked about whether the team would use Tate on punt returns as the team has struggled there.

Now, with the Lions entering the playoffs, Caldwell was asked again about using Tate as a returner. This time, he said Detroit was looking at every option.

And Tate has stayed fresh with returns. He said he's caught punts every week during practice and before every game just in case Ross were to be unavailable to return kicks or punts for any reason. Tate had 51 punt returns in 2013 for 585 yards.

His elusiveness and instincts -- which have helped him as a receiver this season -- also assist him as a returner if the Lions were to try and use him there in the playoffs.

Plus, he enjoys the freelance nature of returns.

"I had a lot of fun on punt return. I kind of got to go out there and just play backyard football and just find creases and make plays and I have a lot of fun," Tate said. "Have a lot of trust in the guys who are blocking for me so yeah. First and foremost I want to help this team and the coaches and scouts and the guys who brought me in think I'm more effective as an offensive player so I respect that."