The issue with either one of those guys may be their expected salaries, along with the fact that they aren't going to be seeing as many targets as they're used to. To be completely honest, I kind of have a hard time seeing Gates leaving SD, but that's just me. I mean, what the hell do they have going on out there where they can't afford to sign their franchise TE to one last pact?
A guy like Jared Cook just seems like a better fit in my opinion, particularly since Gates doesn't help out much in the blocking aspect, either. Either way, it should be a position where we look to upgrade if the rumors about Chandler's knee are true. I just don't know how much Chandler's injury affected him this past season, since he seemed to be a much different player down the stretch.
I look at WR and TE and ask the question, in the current offense, what player can come in and have a bigger impact. I think BB likes the idea of running a two tight end set and with the TE class being weak again this year (several years in a row now) getting someone with Higbee's size, smooth athleticism, hands, and upside is so tempting and I am willing to take him a round early if need be. He could be a great target for Brady and help Gronk get open more as well. Every time I talk about it, I get excited about the possibilities.