Chargers general manager Tom Telesco revealed Thursday that he plans to meet with the representation of tight end Antonio Gates this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
The nature of that meeting was not explained but there are a few options that can be inferred. They plan to discuss a possible re-signing, which would bring him back for his 17th season with the Bolts. The second option would be that they will inform him of his release.
The 38-year old TE was brought back this past season on a one-year deal after being released last May to serve as an insurance for Hunter Henry after he suffered a season-ending injury.
Gates did mention earlier on that he doesn’t see himself ending his career on the note that Los Angeles did after losing to the Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. Despite the age, Gates managed to show some promise, finishing the regular season with 28 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns.
With Henry expected to be at full health and Virgil Green still on the roster, Telesco and the rest of the front office will have a decision to make. Gates’ veteran presence is appreciated by his only quarterback in his career, Philip Rivers. But they may feel that 2018 was his last rodeo, going in a different direction, which would likely be the end of his long NFL career.
