Why the Chargers need to move on from Antonio Gates and find a new tight end this off-season
It’s the end of an era for Los Angles Chargers fans. For years, the tight end position was held by Antonio Gates.
His nickname should have been Old Reliable. He was consistent for years, being an integral part of the Chargers offense.
Not to mention, whenever Philip Rivers got flustered his go-to-guy was Gates, and it worked every time.
Somehow, someway Gates was there when Rivers needed him.
Unfortunately, however, father time caught up to Gates as age has slowed him down.
Gates seemed ready to retire prior to the 2018 season, but his team needed him after Hunter Henry tore his ACL during a May practice.
As it turned out the injury wasn’t season-ending. Henry shocked the world by healing faster than even the best expectations could have predicted to play in the Chargers divisional round playoff game against New England.
Thus, barring another off season injury Henry should be good to go in 2019.
Unfortunately, the Chargers aren’t really gaining much with his return.
Henry’s numbers are well below the top tight ends in the league like Travis Kelce or Rob Gronkowski.
It could just be that he hasn’t his breakthrough season yet. The best maybe yet to come, but with Gates free agency still pending and the looming factor of his age, it seems an awful lot is depending on a maybe.
There is also the fact that Henry is returning from an injury. Some players get injured once and remain healthy for the rest of their careers. Most do not, however.
Injuries tend to be the kiss of death for football players. It seems to be a domino effect.
Look no further then Gronkowski or Greg Olsen. They make headlines each year for their newest (or recurring) injuries.
The Chargers are coming off their most successful season in years and Rivers is playing some of the best football of his carer.
It would be a shame to put all the tight end eggs in a basket that might not remain healthy.
It’s possible the Henry will play great, but that still leaves the Chargers looking at another maybe.
Sure, the Chargers can always look to the draft to get a new tight end and they probably should. But, What if the player isn’t suited for the NFL though? It’s not unheard of that a star college player flops once they hit the big leagues. That leaves the Chargers back at maybe.
With that said the Chargers should add a tight end that is established.
Someone they know they can trust.
Right now, Jared Cook is free agent. Cook spends a lot of time bouncing from team to team. If Los Angeles were to sign him for one or two years it would take pressure off of Henry. Most importantly, it would buy them some time to eliminate some of the maybes.
Cook isn’t going to be the defining factor that clinches the AFC West, but he isn’t going to hurt their chances either as statistically, he’s a better option than Henry.
Tyler Eifert is also a free agent and would be the ideal pick up if it wasn’t for him being injury prone
A good tight end is such an important part of any football team. With the right quarterback, a tight end can be the most valuable player. The Chargers don’t need to shoot for the stars. They just need to make smart offseason moves.
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