The greatest tight end in NFL history is coming back to the Bolts.
Days before the start of the regular season, the Los Angeles Chargers announced they have agreed to terms with Antonio Gates.
The 2018 campaign will mark Gates' 16th in the league.
What Gates has accomplished over his first 15 is the stuff of legend.
After all, how many players redefine their position forevermore?
Gates' 114 TD receptions are the most by a tight end in NFL history. It also ranks sixth all-time of any player regardless of position, trailing just Jerry Rice (197), Randy Moss (156), Terrell Owens (153), Cris Carter (130) and Marvin Harrison (128). Meanwhile, Gates' 927 receptions are the 20th-most in NFL history while his 11,508 receiving yards rank 30th. Those numbers are the third-most of any tight end behind only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten.
Gates' rapport with Philip Rivers is also as good as it gets.
The pair rank as the second-most prolific duo in NFL history as their 87 TDs together trail only Peyton Manning-to-Marvin Harrison (112). Overall, Gates is the Chargers' all-time leader in receptions (927), receiving yards (11,508) and touchdowns (114). Number 85 is also an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro pick.
