Could Antonio Gates move to his first-ever new NFL team in free agency?
Tight end Antonio Gates is the Los Angeles Chargers’ longest-tenured player. Will he add a 16th season with them to his resume, or move on to his first-ever new team?
Antonio Gates will turn 38 in June, and he’s never been able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
He’s running out of time.
The question for Gates, who is set to become a free agent on Monday, is whether he’ll try to make another push with his lifelong team, the Los Angeles Chargers, or try on a new team for size.
The question for the rest of the league is what does Gates offer at this point?
In 2017, behind heir apparent Hunter Henry, Gates compiled 30 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns, though he did step up late in the year when Henry went down with a lacerated kidney.
Let’s take a look at three spots Gates could land in what might be his final season in the NFL.
Best Fits
1. Los Angeles Chargers
There’s no question that Gates most likely wants to retire as a Charger, the only team he’s ever known. Gates expressed that he’d like to remain in Los Angeles, but also noted that “winning a Super Bowl is a priority,” per Jim Alexander of The Press-Enterprise. The Chargers met with Gates’ reps at the Combine, so if the price is right for both sides, the most likely move for Gates this offseason is no move at all.
The Chargers will meet with reps for TE Antonio Gates and S Tre Boston at the combine.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 28, 2018
2. New England Patriots
Though there have been whispers that he’s flirting with retirement, tight end Rob Gronkowski appears to be set to return to the New England Patriots in 2018. However, the Patriots released Martellus Bennett on Wednesday, and so they need someone to pair with Gronkowski. Gates may be an old dog, but he’d do great in a two-tight end set with someone as dynamic as No. 87.
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3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins need not one, but two tight ends this offseason. Why not sign one and draft the other? Miami can develop up a new young crop at the position, but having a veteran like Gates in the locker room will ease that process considerably. Plus, Miami’s locker room could use the kind of leadership a veteran as well-respected as Gates could provide.