Commanders OL Nick Gates Likes 'Being In Charge'; New Starting Center?

Now a New York Giants rival, new Washington Commanders offensive lineman Nick Gates likes being in charge, and expects to play center for his new team.

The Washington Commanders made a big move in free agency signing a Super Bowl-winning offensive tackle.

They made another by bringing former New York Giants offensive lineman Nick Gates to the Commanders with the intent being he helps his new team leapfrog his former. 

While Washington expects him to be a part of solving its offensive line issues, he has his own expectations coming into the relationship as well. 

"Center is where I'm gonna be taking most the reps I assume," Gates said. "Center/Guard is where I play usually."

On a recent episode of Locked On Commanders, Locked On Giants host Patricia Traina said she expected Gates to come in and compete for the team's starting center position. 

With Chase Roullier suffering a second-straight season-ending injury last year, and a varied rotation of centers following him, Washington would love the idea of solidifying the position. 

And Gates looks forward to taking control of it, saying he feels it's his natural position.

"I just like being in control of everything, making calls, and kind of telling everybody what to do," Gates said of the appeal in playing center. "It holds me accountable just because you gotta know everything and gotta make sure everybody is on the same page. I just like being in charge."

Gates also said the youth of the Commanders roster appealed to him, and that he looks forward to helping protect Sam Howell who is expected to be the team's starting quarterback this season. 

Although, in order for Howell to meet that expectation, he'll have to beat out new veteran acquisition Jacoby Brissett who also met with the media on Thursday. 

We're sure Gates will do what he needs to do regardless of who the starting quarterback is. 

Whether that's Howell or Brissett leading Washington on the field, they know now they'll have a teammate in front of them hungry for the chance to take control.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

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