The Los Angeles Chargers may have let Gates go just a bit too soon. As in a full year to soon. Sure it was probably time to move on, especially in the NFL where talent like Gates simply can’t last forever. Plus Henry was more than ready to fill Gates shoes. But then all of a sudden there is no more Hunter Henry. So why not just give Antonio Gates one more year? How about just one more year of the Rivers to Gates magic? Antonio Gates always came back strong after a few injuries here and there throughout his 18 year career, but all players have injury setbacks. Old age is just like an injury, it is going to happen and it will be a season ending event. But Gates is healthy.
Let’s reset for a moment: The Chargers have had trouble getting over the top, but could 2018 be the year of the magic? Imagine for a moment, Gates catching a game winning TD against KC (for a strong example) It is not that hard to imagine. Rivers to Gates for a touchdown. Sure there most likely are football politics involved, but that brings us back to the magic.
Imagine this: Chargers trailing Chiefs 21- 24 with 1:37 remaining on the clock, 4th quarter. Chargers ball at the Chiefs 21 yard line, facing a 3rd an 6. Rivers fades back, moves to his right, then ducks under a would be sack and delivers a strike to, you guessed it: Antonio Gates! TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS! So do you need another reason to bring back Gates?
Okay here is another reason to bring back number 85: If Gates has earned a hall of fame position, (which he has) then he deserves to line up in the slot one more season! Sure he is a bit tired, but we all are. Use Gates sparingly, but also as a decoy. The Chargers organization has clearly shown who is boss more than enough lately, why not just do the right thing and honor Gates? Does the right thing even matter anymore in the NFL? (Not For Long) league…Gates 15 years of contribution (and success) should matter and really mean something to the organization. Also, think about the mentoring value Gates could bring. That could be worth a lot to a new tight end coming to the Chargers. If we took a poll right now, the majority of votes would be to bring back Gatesy, so why am I still Typing?
Now here is the reality of the situation:
Before the dust had even settled after Hunter Henry‘s season-ending ACL tear, rumors began to swirl about the Chargers potentially bringing back Antonio Gates. It had just recently been reported that the Chargers were moving on from Gates after his historic 15-year run with the team.
A wrench was possibly thrown into those plans when Henry went down with a devastating non-contact injury during OTAs. Chargers general manager Tom Telesco refused to rule out re-signing Gates when asked about it last week. Now, Gates has at least one public supporter in his longtime quarterback Philip Rivers.
“Well, shoot, I’d always be excited if he walked back in the door obviously,” Rivers said (transcription via PFT). “That’s something that [GM] Tom [Telesco] and [owner] John [Spanos]and coach [Anthony Lynn] and those guys I’m sure will discuss and see about bringing anybody in for that matter, but certainly [Gates’ return] would get my vote.”
Rivers sounds excited about the potential reunion, which makes sense considering his history of utilizing tight ends. For years, Rivers had a reliable target in Gates and he continued that trend last year with Henry. Now, with Gates in limbo and Henry sidelined, Rivers lacks a quality middle-of-the-field and red zone threat at the tight end position.
Here’s more from around the AFC:
The Dolphins will look to extend cornerback Bobby McCain, Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald (Twitter link) speculaties. McCain, a fifth-round pick back in 2015, is heading into the final year of his contract. Salguero thinks the Dolphins will look to lock up McCain with an extension sometime after June 1, when the cap space they freed up from the release of Ndamukong Suh becomes available.
The Browns may look to trade one of their surplus wide receivers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer opines. After trading for Jarvis Landry and drafting Antonio Callaway and Damion Ratley, the Browns’ wide receiver room is a bit crowded. Cabot thinks returning players Corey Coleman, Ricardo Louis, and Rashard Higgins all will be available for trade at some point this summer. With Josh Gordon in the mix as well, the Browns simply have too many receivers, and will need to deal or cut at least a couple of them.
Welcome to NFL Essentials! We have teamed up with Amazon to make it easy for you to expand your NFL world! Get ready for a great 2018 NFL season.
This page was created to assist NFL fans throughout the country how to stay on top of the latest, greatest NFL products and gear! This page is simply packed with all kinds of cool NFL items from game day gear to BBQ accessories. If you like to tailgate, this page is for you. If you like host Monday Night Football parties, (or Sunday Night) this page is for you. Plus everything in between! It goes on and on. New born baby? Get him or her dressed in your favorite team’s apparel before the big game! Last minute gift shopping? We gots you covered. Welcome to NFL Essentials! Its fun here.
Widget not in any sidebars