How about Antonio Gates?

We already have a thread advocating the return of the 2 TE offense and another talking about Chandler, and I think another about upgrading the TE position.

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Antonio Gates, who is an unrestricted free agent. Yes, Gates is old. He will be 36 when training camp rolls around. His production indicates he is fading fairly fast. But used as a second tight end and expected to get 4-5 targets a game, or even as a red zone specialist? I see some value here. Gronkowski would instantly provide Gates with favorable matchups. Gates has great hands, is an excellent route runner, and is a red zone threat with 104 career TDs. While no longer a field stretcher, he would make the Patriots much more difficult to defend in 2 TE sets.

I doubt many teams would be interested in a TE who is 36 and fading towards retirement, though the Patriots might find more value in him for the aforementioned reasons. Sure, it's possible that he wants to finish his career in San Diego, but we've seen many other players part ways for various reasons...money, championships, or just looking for a team willing to give them another season. For the Chargers, outside of holding onto a face of the franchise and system familiarity, I don't see why a team far from serious contention would be aggressive in re-signing him.

He would also be an instant captain/leader. Reminds me of a richer man's version of the Alge Crumpler signing. Hopefully Gates can still walk though, which Crumpler allegedly struggled to manage.

Interesting thought.

Can he still run/get open? I did not watch many Chargers games.

Will he be able to stay healthy? He's been a guy that's battled his body his whole career.

Think I'd prefer someone younger and more durable, but it's definitely something to think about.

Gates in his prime was my favorite non Patriot TE..

But I would pass on him today. He can still go up and get it, but he's slow and can't create separation any more.

How is Gates' blocking ability? Does he contribute in that aspect, or is he more of a glorified receiver?

supafly said:

How is Gates' blocking ability? Does he contribute in that aspect, or is he more of a glorified receiver?

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Gates does not block.

An interesting idea if brought in on the vet minimum. We would need to keep Chandler as insurance though, as it's hard enough judging who will jive with Brady, never mind someone who's age may be breaking them down. Still, as a situational option he's intriguing.

Sicilian said:

An interesting idea if brought in on the vet minimum. We would need to keep Chandler as insurance though.

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Why? Chandler has nothing with Brady!

PatsFan2 said:

Why? Chandler has nothing with Brady!

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He has more, at this moment, than anyone else we would bring in at his price range until proven otherwise. Dumping him for a high chance at an upgrade is one thing. Dumping him to put your eggs in the basket of a 36 year old question mark is irresponsible.

Sicilian said:

He has more, at this moment, than anyone else we would bring in at his price range until proven otherwise. Dumping him for a high chance at an upgrade is one thing. Dumping him to put your eggs in the basket of a 36 year old question mark is irresponsible.

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I would love to see them throw to Mike Williams more he wont get very far but atleast he can Block pretty well...Chandler does NOTHING WELL! Big for Nothing!

PatsFan2 said:

I would love to see them throw to Mike Williams more he wont get very far but atleast he can Block pretty well...Chandler does NOTHING WELL! Big for Nothing!

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I don't feel like arguing with hyperbole. Good day.

Eh...

Would rather Gresham.

I think a little bit of patience with Chandler might pay off, he did more than Hooman that was loved here, important TD's against the Giants and Denver.

If he improves to 6/7 TD's in 2016 that would be in pair of what we expect for a #2 TE.

I like the idea, I brought up in another thread a few weeks ago that Gates might be an ideal veteran option at vET minimum, or maybe 1 million. . Definitely less than Chandler is making.

I'd give him a 1, MAYBE 2 year deal that was team friendly with an option in year 2. He wouldnt be expected to be "the guy" here, just a role player which at this point in his career I think he would embrace and enjoy for 1 last shot at a SB

There are a lot of intriguing #2 TE options available via FA this year. I think it makes sense to get depth at TE thru FA and not the draft this year. . More nfl ready talent to be had for reasonable prices.. you won't save much drafting and you won't draft someone as nfl ready as these vets

What about the Rook Tightend think hes ready to make a impact?
He has the physical tools.

The Patriots have 2 tight ends (Gronk, Williams). They need a 3rd who's good enough to play as the TE2. Gates was unable to get any real separation by the end of his season. Whether that was due to injury or age is something the team would need to look at.

I'd prefer Gresham, for the record, as he's a younger player and better blocker, but I can certainly understand the appeal of Gates.

As long as we don't throw a bunch of money for a #2 TE, in which we hardly won't even use because the guy "can't get adjusted to our offense" and next year for the 5th year in a row we will be talking about signing some other TE to overpay because the last 4-5 didn't work out.

You'd have a better shot building a time machine and going back in time to stop hernandez from murdering people than getting Gates to come to NE to play second fiddle to Gronk

JMC00 said:

You'd have a better shot building a time machine and going back in time to stop hernandez from murdering people than getting Gates to come to NE to play second fiddle to Gronk

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Why so much skepticism?