HOW THE CHARGERS SCREWED UP THE GATES DEPARTURE

 Antonio Gates is one of the most beloved Chargers of all time. The gentle smile and laugh will be remembered for years in Charger lore. In his prime with the team Gates frustrated defensive coordinators around the league. There simply wasn't a corner, safety or linebacker that could stop Antonio especially on 3rd downs.

 The basketball star from Michigan began his tenure with the team as a undrafted free agent in 2003. In 2018, he is one of the best TE to ever play the game. Through all the ups and downs the franchise went through you never heard anything negative from Gates. In 2015, the only negative mark on his career showed as he was suspended for violating the league substance abuse policy. It will be the only slip that could keep him from being a 1st ballot Hall of Famer. There is no question however that Gates jersey will be hung in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio the year after his eligibility to enter the Hall.

 Gates is admired and respected by all 31 teams in the NFL and their fans. In 2016, the Chargers began ton prepare for Gates career to come to an end. They drafted Hunter Henry from the University of Arkansas. Gates took Henry under his wing and taught the rookie how the game is played. Henry exploded almost immediately displaying his talents. Hunter Henry is benefiting from being the protege of Antonio Gates.

 The last couple of years Gates age began to show. He couldn't separate from defenders the way he use too. He became a step slower in a game that inches can mean the difference between wins and losses. The funny thing he Gates was never a fast receiver. He was a terrible run blocker. Which makes his accomplishments even more amazing. He did one thing very very good. He got open and did it when the team needed it the most on 3rd downs and in the redzone.

 The 2017 season Henry took over as the #1 TE. Gates was struggling to do what he made look so easy earlier and throughout his career. He just couldn't get open as easily as he was did. The coaches were having a difficult time finding ways to get Gates involved in the offense. It was clear that old man time was taken its toll on one of the finest men to play on the gridiron.

 When Hunter Henry was in taking snaps of 41 or more a game the Chargers were 7-1 averaging 26 points a game. When he played 40 snaps or under the Chargers were winless 0-6 averaging 16 points a game. The team began 0-4 in 2017. Then Henry got more involved in the offense and Gates snaps went down. The team finished winning 9 out of 12 games. In the film room and the coaches eyes it was clear. It was time to let the future hall of famer go. In the NFL you either retire or the game will retire you. There is no heart  in this game. When it ends for a player it abruptly and cruel. A players mind and heart is still in it's prime. But the body just can do what it once could.

 You see letting Gates walk in free agency was the CORRECT decision. Actually, it is a easy decision. But what for some reason this franchise struggles in how to let a veteran that served so many years on the team and in the community go. A simple statement that states thank you for all you have done and wishing that player the absolute best. The Chargers leaked to Ian Rapport that Gates tenure ended. Then they realized how bad it looked with the way they handled the announcement they began to back track and started the PR on what would have been such an easy way to handle the career and announcement that the Chargers were moving on. They added Virgil Green a under utilized TE from Denver who's a premiere blocking TE this off season.

 Fans who grew to love Antonio became enraged. Again, the decision to let Gates walk was the right decision. They can only carry 53 players and those spots become valuable to a general manager who needs depth at Oline and Linebacker. They simply could not afford the luxury of a roster spot for a player who contributions to the team diminished so fast.

 Gates will one day have his day. He will be honored on the field. He still wants to play but never told the team he would be returning in 2018. He quietly was sincerely contemplating retirement. The Chargers waited and had to move on preparing for the 2018 season. As fans we hope he does retire and does so serving 15 years with one team. Gates lives in LA so if he chooses in the the upcoming months to keep playing there will be no shortage of teams willing and able to give him a shot. The Rams could be the most easiest and put a real foot forward in the FightForLA by signing Gates. The Cowboys, Ravens and Patriots could be suitors for him as well.

 As a fan I'll support Antonio no matter what he decides. He earned that support. Goddamn I will miss watching him play. But it is Henry time to shine now. Thank you Mr. Gates for your service and for helping Henry along. Henry success is an attribute to your career as you helped him along. We as fans can't wait to wear that 85 jersey as we honor your time as a Charger. First at a Chargers home game then in Canton, Ohio.