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Five Best Tight Ends the Buccaneers Face in 2016

By Alan Schechter

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (87) works out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins (87) works out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 14, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass during minicamp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) catches a pass during minicamp at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Antonio Gates

Here is one of the best tight ends to ever set foot on an NFL field.

Gates was an undrafted free agent, and he made all of the teams that passed him regret it.

From 2004-2011, Gates was elected to the Pro Bowl each season.  After a slow rookie season, Gates never caught less than seven touchdowns in a season until he turned 33 years old.  For his career he has averaged eight touchdowns per season.  To say that he has become a trusted target for Philip Rivers would be an understatement.

He is 36 years old and should finally be on the downside of his career.  However, even after he returned from suspension last year, he looked good, scoring twice on passes from Rivers in his season debut.  He managed to post 56 receptions for 630 yards and five touchdowns, though he only played in 11 games.

The Chargers haven’t been great of late, but the Bucs had better have their eyes on this tight end.  In three previous battles, Gates has caught nine passes, three of them for touchdowns.

Next: Number Three

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