The Facts: Don't close the book on Gates' NFL career just yet. The 38-year-old tight end, who played this season on a one-year contract, said he wants to return for a 17th season with the Los Angeles Chargers. "I just don't see myself walking away with this taste," Gates said after his team's 41-28 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday. "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."

Diehards Line: This season was little bittersweet for Gates after the Chargers did not make him feel wanted during the last offseason. The Chargers' brass relayed to Gates' representation that his services would not be needed for the 2018 season, opening up more opportunities for emerging tight end Henry. Then Henry suffered an ACL knee injury in May, and suddenly the veteran's services were needed -- again. Gates finished the regular season with 28 receptions for 333 yards and two touchdowns. Gates is the Chargers' all-time leader in receptions (960), receiving yards (11,882) and touchdown catches (117). Gates' and Philip Rivers' 90 touchdowns is the most in NFL history by a tight end-quarterback tandem. "I'll have to sit down with the head coach and the people that make these decisions and express how motivated I am to come back even better, as a player and as a teammate, and hopefully they bring me back," Gates added.