Future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates has reached a contract to return to the Chargers for his 16th season.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Sunday that the 3-time All-Pro will continue his career in a Chargers uniform, although in a different role than he has been accustomed to.
Gates is decorated as a pass catcher, ranking 6th all-time in NFL history with 114 tds, 20th in total receptions and 30th in receiving yards. An eight-time Pro Bowler, Gates has been with the Chargers since 2003.
Over the last couple of seasons, Gates has been wavering on the subject of retirement. When speaking with Michael Gehlken of the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2015 Gates was unsure of when he would retire stating:
"As you get older, people say things. They make speculations about where you're going, about how much you have in the tank. To me, it's all about how I feel as a person, how my body feels physically and mentally. As of right now, I feel great physically. I'm in a great place mentally. So, we'll see how it goes. I have no expectations for how long I'll play or if this is my last year."
Gates burst onto the NFL scene as an undrafted rookie out of Kent State. He spent his entire college career as a basketball player, excelling as a power forward for the Golden Flashes. He had not played organized football since high school but turned himself into one of the best tight ends in NFL history.
With the Chargers handing the keys to second-year tight end Hunter Henry, Gates role will be diminished. However, it should allow him to be fresher, as he will not have the wear and tear of starting every week. A return to the Chargers became an option when Henry suffered an ACL tear May 22nd after originally being told by the team earlier in the off-season they would not be bringing him back.
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