New York Giants center/guard Nick Gates has reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the rival Washington Commanders, reports Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.
Good story here: Former #Giants OL Nick Gates, who broke his left fibula and tibia in a game against Washington in 2021 and battled his way back from seven surgeries, is headed to … Washington.
Gates has agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the #Commanders, source says. pic.twitter.com/TPHfUcu62i
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023
Gates, 27, began his career as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska with the Giants back in 2018.
After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, Gates played in 16 games in 2019, starting two, mainly at guard.
In 2020, Gates started all 16 games at center.
He fractured his leg in Week 2 of the 2021 season and there was a fear that his career was over. But Gates followed the doctors’ and trainers’ instructions and worked his way back into playing shape.
Last season, Gates was able to play in 10 games for the Giants, starting eight.
Gates had become a fan favorite in New York but the Giants are remolding their offensive line. They signed guard Mark Glowinski last year and drafted Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan, and still have Shane Lemieux and Ben Bredeson under contract.
Gates was not likely to become the Giants’ center, either. The team could be planning to bring back Jon Feliciano to handle those duties again and could be targeting a center with one of their 11 draft picks next month.
