Chargers GM opens door to re-signing free agent Gates

In wake of the season-ending injury to Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers general manager Tom Telesco appeared receptive Friday to the possibility of re-signing tight end Antonio Gates.

"Would be a natural fit, right? I saw that Philip voted for it," Telesco wrote online in a chat with Chargers fans, according to Sean Wagner-McGough of CBS Sports. "When it comes to roster moves, we are not a democracy. But we are not a dictatorship either. His vote was noted and accounted for. Antonio's accomplishments and contributions to this organization are immeasurable. We will see what the future holds. I don't have an update at this time."

Gates has spent the entire offseason in free-agency, seemingly failing to attract interest from teams around the NFL. The Chargers previously announced they weren't going to bring back the 37-year-old, but Henry's torn ACL has forced Los Angeles to at least reconsider that stance.

Rivers, who's been teammates with Gates since 2004, recently endorsed the idea of re-signing his longtime tight end.

Gates is the Chargers' all-time leader in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.