Los Angeles Chargers: Three former players that will be missed the most

By Jason Reed | Jun 11, 2018

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Antonio Gates #85 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates with teammate Kenny Wiggins #79 after making the record all-time touchdowns by a tight end during the NFL game against Miami Dolphins at the StubHub Center September 17, 2017, in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Chargers /

1. Antonio Gates

It was a tough pill to swallow for Los Angeles Chargers fans when the team announced that they would not be re-signing Antonio Gates this offseason. Gates is a pioneer of the sport that has made way for a new breed of tight ends in the NFL. Gates is undoubtedly a Hall of Famer and arguably the best tight end in NFL history.

The team not re-signing Gates stung even more when starting tight end Hunter Henry tore his ACL in practice. Hunter will most likely miss the entire season, perhaps being able to suit up in week 17 and the playoffs.

But even then, he will be coming off of a dangerous injury with no game experience in the games that matter most. It would be understandable for the Chargers to be reluctant to throw Henry into the fire so soon.

Even after the injury, the Chargers have not made a move to sign Gates, who would be a huge help to the offense. While he would not be an every-down tight end, he would be a great target for Rivers on short-yardage situations as well as in the red zone.

Gates is still producing as well. In his age 37 season last season Gates made 30 receptions for 316 yards and three touchdowns. It may not be the most staggering numbers, but Gates can still make an impact when needed.

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