Nine hours after Carolina Panthers defensive end Mario Addison broke news on his Instagram account, did a Charlotte restaurant reveal a potentially big nugget on Twitter?
Thanks for stopping by Merts @AntonioGates85 Always welcome 🍗 pic.twitter.com/UMcKmlxxnL
— Mert's Heart & Soul (@mertscharlotte) March 3, 2016
Mert's Heart & Soul is just over a mile from Bank of America Stadium, so a meeting between the Panthers and 8-time Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates is an intriguing possibility. But since Gates is a pending unrestricted free agent, that would be tampering.
For what it's worth, Gates has said he wants to return to San Diego for a 14th season, and the Chargers have hinted they want him back. Most believe that's what's going to happen. But the Chargers also have tight end Ladarius Green, a rising star and 10 years younger than Gates, heading toward free agency.
If there is interest, the Panthers can't do anything about it until the "legal tampering window" opens on Monday. They certainly won't confirm anything right now and Gates' agent, Tom Condon, rarely reveals much.
So if we're to believe the accuracy of the Mert's Twitter account, why was Gates in Charlotte?
Maybe it is the start of something that could lead to a reunion with Ron Rivera, who got to know Gates during his four seasons in San Diego. Even though Ed Dickson has two years left on his contract, a two tight end offense pairing Gates with Greg Olsen is an enticing thought.
Maybe Gates flew in for the same reason many athletes do — to see Dr. Robert Anderson. Gates dealt with foot injuries in 2008, 2010 and 2011, but since then, his significant ailments have been elsewhere.
Maybe Gates, a Detroit native, was here visiting an unknown family member or friends.
Maybe he heard so many good things about Mert's, he thought it was worth flying across the country.
Or maybe, like Derrick Morgan's Snapchat, this will end up as nothing more than speculation that again shows how crazy we've become about all things football.