Chargers tight end, Antonio Gates, isn't ready to hang it up. The 37-year-old says he doesn't want to retire and wants to keep playing. However, the Chargers have informed the 15-year veteran that they won't re-sign him.
Gates has played his whole career with the Chargers and has made eight Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. He is also the Chargers franchise leader in receptions, yards and reception touchdowns and has 114 career touchdown receptions, topping Tony Gonzalez for the most ever by a tight end.
Despite all his career accolades, Gates' productivity has slipped. Last season he saw his role take a backseat to Hunter Henry and Virgil Green, who was acquired via free agency. Gates played in all 16 games last season but finished with just 30 catches and a career-low 316 yards.
Since the Chargers aren't sold on Gates anymore, the 6 foot 4, 260 pound tight end could still look to sign with another club. Without much depth at the position across the league, there could be openings for teams that missed their targets during the draft.
If this is the end of his career, Gates will retire as a sure-fire Hall of Famer and one of the best tight ends in NFL history.
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