Earlier this year, the Chargers informed Antonio Gates that they would not re-sign him for a 16th season with the Bolts. However, their situation has changed in recent days after Hunter Henry‘s season-ending ACL tear. 
“We’ll look at all the options that are out there. We’ve got time to do it right now,” GM Ted Telesco said when asked about Gates earlier this week.
Gates, 38 in June, isn’t quite the player he was in 2009, but he was highly productive as recently as two years ago when he caught 53 passes for 548 yards and seven scores. On a limited snap count, Gates could help replace some of Henry’s production in 2018, even if he doesn’t match his 12.9 yards per catch average.
Gates’ familiarity with the Chargers’ offense and personnel also shouldn’t be discounted. He’s been catching passes from Philip Rivers since 2004 while earning eight Pro Bowl nods and three First-Team All-Pro selections along the way.
The 6’4″ tight end probably represents the splashiest move they could make, but he’s not the only noteworthy tight end available. Julius Thomas, Brent Celek, and Coby Fleener are all out there for the taking and it’s possible that one of those three players would be more amicable to playing in a limited role than Gates.
Alternatively, the Chargers could patch things up at TE by shifting sixth-round rookie Dylan Cantrell from receiver to tight end. Cantrell has the height (6’3″) and may have blocking ability ability to make the move, but he’s untested.
All things considered, do you think the Chargers should change course and re-sign Gates? Cast your vote below and support your decision in the comment section.
Nobody cares about the classless and chronically incompetent Spanos traveling circus. #payyourrent
Hater
No I don’t think he’s a hater. I think he might have been a die hard fan who lost his team and he has every rift to be mad. The chargers did the SD fans dirty.
I’d like the Lions to sign Gates as insurance at TE and drop Toilolo. Unfortunately, he cannot be relied on as a #1 TE anymore due to his injury history.
Luke Willson will be #1
Ted Telesco? Probably the only people who noticed that error live in San Diego.
Actually prefer the Chargers sign Coby Fleener
As a chiefs fan i think they should just fold the franchise.
Not sure if you are trolling. I’m unsure because this is a realistic option. They are irrelevant (or will be soon because it’s the Chargers) in a city that doesn’t need or want them.
The poll has no hot link
Mmmmmm Hot Links!
Yea, probably.
Wouldnt hurt to resign gates and have him mentor the 6th round pick. Cantrell will need to add like 15 pounds to be a TE.
Yea i don’t know why they would bring him back one last season. Makes a ton of sense
Would be stupid not to. He knows the system. He has chemistry with PR. He still has some game left. Sign him and give Green a few more looks than he was going to get with Henry.
Definitely. Antonio Gates knows the system and has a good relationship with Phillip Rivers. Gates might not be the best anymore, but he’s still very capable of getting the job done.