Back in April, Los Angeles Chargers decided they will not bring back tight end Antonio Gates for the 2018 season. Now it looks like they have changed their mind.
After Hunter Henry tore his ACL last month, Chargers are in a need for another TE and Gates seems like a natural fit. Chargers’ general manager Tom Telesco recently confirmed that the team is interested in the 37-year-old and that he’s been in touch with his representatives.
“Obviously, Antonio would be a natural fit,” – Telesco told 97.3 The Fan. “He’s someone that we have talked to. We’ve talked to his representatives. Sometimes, it’s not just as easy as saying, ‘Hey, let’s just bring him back. Let’s go.’“
One of the reasons why Chargers decided to move on from Antonio Gates in April was the fact that he is coming from statistically the worst season in his career. In 2017 he managed to have career-low 316 receiving yards and only 30 catches. Still, without many attractive TE free agents, Gates’ familiarity with the team’s system and his good relationship with quarterback Phillip Rivers makes him the best choice.
Antonio Gates signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2003 as undrafted free agent and went on to become one of the team’s legends. He played 14 years for the Chargers, and is currently the franchise’s leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. During his career, Gates earned eight Pro-Bowl selections, three First-team All-Pro, and two Second-team All-Pro honors.
