SAN DIEGO -- With veteran Antonio Gates and second-year pro Hunter Henry, the Los Angeles Chargers have one of the best pass-catching tight end combinations in the NFL. However, Gates turns 37-years-old in June. And while Henry eventually will serve as Gates’ replacement, the Chargers still need to add depth to the position group.
Lock: Antonio Gates, Hunter Henry
On the bubble: Jake McGee
Free agents: Asante Cleveland, Jeff Cumberland, Sean McGrath
The good: Henry led all rookie tight ends with eight touchdown receptions. The Arkansas product did a nice job playing through some nagging injuries, only missing one game in his rookie season. Henry finished with 36 receptions for 478 yards, including 10 receptions and seven touchdown receptions in the red zone. Gates finished with 53 receptions for 548 yards and seven touchdowns. He tied Tony Gonzalez for most receiving touchdowns all-time by a tight end with 111 during the Chargers’ final game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s the eleventh time Gates has had at least 49 catches, 500 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in a season. In his first full season with the Chargers, McGrath did a nice job filling a role as a blocking tight end.
The bad: Gates and Henry missed three games combined due to injury, which affected the Chargers’ versatility in using different personnel groupings. Gates finished with an uncharacteristic six drops on the season. Cumberland suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during preseason play and was lost for the year. It’s the second time in his career that Cumberland suffered a torn Achilles tendon, so we’ll see how he recovers from the injury.
The money: Gates said he plans to return in 2017 and could make up to $5.5 million in total compensation. Henry is set to make $740,014 in base salary in the second year of his rookie deal. Cleveland and McGrath or restricted free agents and should be back. Cumberland is an unrestricted free agent.
Draft priority: Gates and Henry played about the same amount in 2016 (Gates 554 snaps, Henry 546 snaps). Henry likely will play the lion’s share of the snaps in 2017, with Gates being used in passing situations and in the red zone. With Gates at the end of his career, the Chargers should look to bring in another pass-catching tight end later in the draft. And there are several talented options available, including Clemson’s Jordan Leggett and South Alabama’s Gerald Everett.