Why the Kansas City Chiefs should call Antonio Gates

If the Kansas City Chiefs wanted to make the ultimate Super Bowl move with swagger, they’d call Antonio Gates and match his price tag to play for one season.

If there’s an argument to be made against the following proposal, it’s that it’s all one year too late. The decline of an athlete comes quickly in every sport, and the NFL is no exception. It’s entirely possible that after defying the odds and playing for so long, Antonio Gates is finally ineffective at his job. That would make us one year too late.

But, just for a second, er column, let’s suppose that there’s enough in the tank for another run. After the end of last season, the future Hall of Fame tight end and San Diego, er L.A., Chargers legend made it known he was ready to re-up then and there for another year.

That’s why the Kansas City Chiefs should call him instead.

First, back to those quotes, because we need to establish, first of all, that Gates would even have a hunger for another season of all of this since he’s been active since 2003.

After the Chargers lost in the playoffs last year to the New England Patriots (one game before the Chiefs would find myriad ways to lose to the same team), Gates said the following:

"“I just don’t see myself walking away with this taste. And plus this team. I think when you add Hunter [Henry] back, and hopefully we get Jason Verrett back — shoot, the sky’s the limit. And I want to be a part of it. But that has to be a collective decision. I can’t just want to come back. So we’ll see how it goes.”"

From that quote, it’s quite clear that he’s hungry for a Super Bowl ring. It’s also clear he likes the Chargers’ collection of talent. He’s certainly right in that regard as the Bolts are certainly one of the most talented teams in the NFL top to bottom. On to more quotes:

"Of course I think I can still play. Do they think I can still play? That’s just something — I know [the Patriots] think I can still play because they keep doubling me,” Gates said with a laugh. “A lot of teams think I can still play because they find a way to still double me on third down. That just remains to be seen."

There you go. Two important things are established in these quotes, although we have to admit the bias of the source and the timing of the quotes.

1. Gates has interest in playing more. (The flip side: these quotes are not current.)
2. Gates can still play well enough to draw the defense. (The flip side: the source here is biased.)

If he’s ready to play and fit to play, then this becomes a very interesting proposition for the Chiefs.

Positional Need

All offseason long, we’ve watched a revolving door of tight ends walk in and out of Arrowhead Stadium hoping to fill the role of a Demetrius Harris or even Ross Travis at this point. Neal Sterling was here at one point. John Phillips lasted a few days. John Lovett made waves as a rookie free agent, but even he’s on injured reserve now. And we still can’t figure out exactly when David Wells disappeared.

Manasseh Garner is the latest addition, but he’s still as identifiable as the guy doing the laundry. Jody Fortson wants to be a wide receiver instead. Nick Keizer is a blocking option from the Baltimore Ravens who has generated little buzz this offseason. Deon Yelder is one of the favorites vying for something but even he’s been in a boot as of late. Blake Bell is the other favorite, a veteran with more experience than anyone who, for reasons unknown, hasn’t just stepped up to claim his spot.

If that sounds like a long list of middling talent, you’d be exactly right. Basically the Chiefs employ the best tight end in the business and then sound like they’d be absolutely crippled at the position if something were to happen up top.

Even at the age of 39, Gates remains a dangerous pass catcher, someone for whom the defense must account. He said  it himself above. Even in the playoffs, on a team loaded with other weapons like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Melvin Gordon, it was Gates still drawing double teams—likely in the end zone.

Last season, Gates caught 28 passes for 333 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had his highest catch rate (62.2%) since 2015. Those are exactly the sort of numbers the Chiefs need from a backup. Kelce is going to be the mismatch in the middle, but for moments ready-made for two tight ends or, God forbid, if something were to happen, Gates would be ideal for Andy Reid’s creative offense.

Divisional Screw You

What would make this move even sweeter for the Chiefs is that it doesn’t just fill one of the bigger concerns on the overall roster, but it would do so with a legend of the other team.

There’s something sweet about watching another team’s legend provide meaningful snaps for your own franchise. Marcus Allen was that much more enjoyable to watch as a Chiefs player knowing he’d looked so good in silver and black for years.

At the same, it’s also painful from the other vantage point. You only need to look at the hit Jamaal Charles took from fans when he signed with the Denver Broncos a couple years ago when trying to extend his career another season.

Signing Gates would be the ultimate “screw you” to their biggest divisional opponent heading into a season in which both teams are among the favorites for the Super Bowl. The AFC West is already going to be a competitive race, so why not add that much more intrigue (or salt) to the mix?

Gates is certainly slower than ever at this stage in his career and the Chiefs would likely need to roll three-deep at the position to keep a blocker around or at least a well-rounded option. But Gates can also still create mismatches at key times off the line. His experience allows him to get open even as his physical skills have declined. He’s a mismatch where it matters most—in the end zone—and he’s hungry for a Super Bowl.

Not only could the signing itself be sweet for Chiefs Kingdom but it could also provide yet another wrinkle for an offense that already looks impossible to defend.