SAN DIEGO, July 28 (UPI) -- The San Diego Chargers Wednesday signed six-time Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates to a five-year contract worth a reported $36.2 million.

Gates, at 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, is one of the top tight ends in the NFL. He played in all 16 games for the Chargers last season, leading the team with 79 catches for 1,157 yards.

Terms of the deal were not announced, but ESPN reported it was for $36.2 million with $20.4 million guaranteed.

"Antonio is a special player and person. He is everything we are looking for in a Chargers player," team General Manager A.J. Smith said. "His talent and contributions to our team speak for themselves. His work ethic and desire to be the best are unmatched."

Gates has hauled down 479 passes for 6,223 yards and 59 touchdowns in 109 career games, leading the Chargers in catches each of the last six seasons.

"I've been blessed my whole career to be with one team," Gates said. "It's always good to get (the contract) out of the way. The goal is to win a championship."