The Facts: Gates has spent all 13 years of his NFL career in San Diego. It would be a major upset if there isn't a 14th. The Chargers want Gates back. He wants to retire a Charger, and all indications are he isn't ready for retirement yet.

Diehards Line:Gates, who will turn 36 in June, is confident he can still produce in the NFL. Last year, he caught 46 passes for 630 yards and four touchdowns. That was despite being suspended the first four games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy and missing a fifth game to an Oct. 18 knee injury. Meanwhile, four tight ends saw substantial playing time last year for San Diego. All four of them — Gates, Ladarius Green, David Johnson and John Phillips — will become unrestricted free agents if not re-signed by March 9. Beyond the likelihood of Gates returning, what happens beyond that is unclear. We'll be watching for more.