NFL agents project NY Giants’ 3 most likely next contract extensions

2) C – Nick Gates

The NY Giants, in a move that was somewhat surprising at the time, signed Gates to a two-year contract worth $6.825 million that included $3.175 million in guarantees last summer.

As it turns out, Gates’ contract extension — and a relatively strong training camp — set the stage for the 24-year-old to fend off any challenge from Spencer Pulley for the NY Giants’ starting center job.

Why Gates will get an extension

In his first season as a full-time starter, and first at center, Gates didn’t allow a sack and surrendered just 16 total pressures, according to Pro Football Focus.

If Gates takes another step forward this season, and the offensive line gels as a result of his improved play, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if the NY Giants get ahead of the market and sign him to a long-term deal.

Why Gates won’t

After signing his extension last summer, Gates provides outstanding value for the NY Giants.

Gates is currently the 20th highest-paid center in the league, and while the NY Giants’ offensive line continues to be a work in progress, it might be unlikely that the organization increases its spending at center — when it doesn’t need to. Gates is set to make just under $2.8 million this season, and his contract runs through 2022.

Agent’s take on what an extension will look like:

“I’m not sure they would do it, and not sure that it makes sense this season. But, somewhere in that Ted Karras ($3 million per season) and David Andrews ($4.75 million annually) range is where I could see Gates.”