Chargers Extend Antonio Gates

Antonio Gates is the deadliest weapon at the tight end position in the NFL. On Wednesday, the San Diego Chargers made him the league’s highest paid player at his position when Gates signed a five-year extension worth more than $36.1 million. The contract has more than $20 million in guaranteed money and doesn’t expire until the 2016 season.

Last year, Gates had one of the better seasons of his career. He played all 16 games for the fourth straight season and finished with a career-high 1,157 receiving yards to go along with 79 catches and eight touchdowns.

Gates’ contributions to the Chargers go beyond what he does on the football field. On a team full of loose cannons, he’s the guy who seems to keep it all together.

Said A.J. Smith, the GM of the Chargers: “Antonio is a special player and person. He is everything we are looking for in a Chargers player.”

With LaDainian Tomlinson now with the New York Jets, Gates responsibilities as a leader on the team will be called upon more than ever this upcoming season. Oh, and he’ll see plenty of passes thrown his way, too.

Antonio Gates (Image: TSN.ca)