Fansided

5 teams that should try to sign Antonio Gates

By Brad Berreman

CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Antonio Gates #85 of the Los Angeles Chargers is seen running onto the field prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - DECEMBER 31: Antonio Gates #85 of the Los Angeles Chargers is seen running onto the field prior to the game against the Oakland Raiders at StubHub Center on December 31, 2017 in Carson, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images) /
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Norv Turner, Minnesota Vikings
Mandatory Credit: Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

4. Carolina Panthers

From 2007-2012, Norv Turner was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator. Gates had at least seven touchdowns in all six of those seasons, with at least 60 catches four times and more than 700 yards five times over that span.

That was all a long time ago now, and Gates is clearly not anywhere near that caliber of player anymore. But Turner has resurfaced as the offensive coordinator for the Panthers after a year out, and a reunion could be in the cards. Greg Olsen is coming back after openly flirting with a move into broadcasting, but he’s also coming off a season shortened by a foot injury and Carolina lost top backup tight end Ed Dickson in free agency.

Turner has seemingly had some say in regard to Carolina’s interest in (and ultimate signing of) players he has past ties to this offseason (wide receiver Jarius Wright and guard/tackle Jeremiah Sirles). Gates obviously fits that mold, and he would be in a position to contribute as another viable weapon for Cam Newton.

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