Lessons from Antonio Gates

With the Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil hold outs, there have been many questions for AJ Smith.  Why isn’t he signing one of the leagues premier LT and WR?  What is up with this guy?  Does he not understand that you need your best talent to win games? 

To be honest, I was curious myself.  Vincent Jackson is underpaid at three million a year (overpaid at ten by the way) and McNeil could use a pay rise as well.  Even if they are asking for ridiculous money, there could still be somewhat of a compromise to get these guys playing.  What is AJ Smith thinking? What makes this guy tick?

Well, I got the answer with the Antonio gates signing.  Money is not really an issue with him.  Paying a TE about 7 million a year shows that. But character is just as important as talent. And I don’t mean character in terms of not getting in trouble with the law. Of course it matters but AJ goes deeper. He is looking for the ones who will do what’s best for the team. 

Gates is a model Charger.  Undrafted basketball players from Kent State that came in and worked for him money.  Earlier on, Gates did hold out for a little bit to get his 6-year 24 million dollar deal and had to miss one game because of it.  But it’s important to note, he was not asking to be the highest paid TE in the league.  He was also making undrafted rookie salary at the time so a pay raise was well warranted.

Fast forward to this year and the current contract situation.  Gates had one more year left on his contract and AJ still wanted to take care of it and make sure he stayed.  Negotiations were ongoing but there were never a threat to hold out, even though Gates is the leading receiver for the Chargers and just came off his best year in terms of yards.  Gates had more leverage than Jackson and McNeil and all he did in the off season was make sure he was healthy to start training camp.    

AJ always says that the “uncertain labor situation” next year is why we can’t sign Jackson and McNeil.  Well, now we know that’s not true.  I guess it was a good try at an excuse, but really, Jackson and McNeil just don’t get it.  You don’t go to AJ demanding a contract.  He will reward you for your good behavior and citizenship to the team.  And oh boy, will he reward you.  

Still, I know there are plenty of people out there that will say AJ’s my-way-or-the- highway strategy when dealing with start players will only hurt this team.  But honestly, I would prefer it.  He is not asking for much; he is just asking for people who put the team goals first.  He is putting together a true team instead of just an assemble of superstars.  It’s fun to put together dream teams and imagine what if we got all those people on our team.  But when reality hits, I want the guy who is working his butt off, training and preparing and willing to put it on the line for the team when it counts.    

We all know AJ can find talent.  I don’t know how many articles on the Bleacher Report I have read talking about the undrafted rookies that make the Chargers’ roster.  But more important than talent is the will and character of a player to go out there and get it done for the team. 

Rivers goes out and plays in an AFC Championship game days after surgery on his knee.  He risked his entire career in that game and yet still went out there. And AJ rewarded him.  Gates has been fighting through injury the last couple of years and now produces his best year yet.  AJ shows him the money.

There is a lesion here for Jackson, McNeil, and Merriman (And Matthews).  Do right by AJ, get paid.  Try and fight, lose big time.