Report: Chargers tight end Antonio Gates restructures contract

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has reportedly restructured his contract to give the team more cap space this season.

San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates has restructured his contract to give the team more cap space this season, reports NFL salary cap writer Brian McIntyre.

According to McIntyre, $3 million of Gates's $5 million base salary for 2014 has been converted to a signing bonus, which frees $1.5 million in salary cap space for the Chargers.

ROSENBERG: Goodell must re-evaluate Ray Rice suspension

St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long also recently restructured his deal to give St. Louis more cap space.

Gates, 34, has two seasons remaining on the six-year, $39.8 million contract he signed with San Diego in 2010.

The eight-time Pro Bowler has 719 receptions for 872 yards in his career and led the team with 77 receptions in 2013.

MMQB: Everything we thought was proven wrong in Week 1

The Chargers open the season Monday night against the Arizona Cardinals. Gates is questionable to play due to a hamstring injury.

- Ben Estes