Gates gets $36M contract extension from Bolts

Source: Associated Press By Bernie Wilson Antonio Gates inks a 5 year deal worth $36 Million. SAN DIEGO (AP)—Antonio Gates has caught plenty of big passes for the San Diego Chargers, and on Wednesday he hauled in the biggest contract ever given to an NFL tight end. Gates agreed to a $36.175 million, five-year contract extension, with $20.4 million guaranteed, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the figures weren’t released. The deal averages $7.235 million per season from 2011-15. A college basketball star at Kent State, Gates blossomed from a rookie free agent in 2003 to a superstar who is a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. With three other star players unhappy about their contracts, talks with Gates apparently intensified this week. Gates and other veterans are due to report to training camp on Thursday, with the first full-squad practice on Friday. “I’ve been blessed my whole career to be with one team,” Gates s...