I actually applaud them for this.
He has his flaws for sure but he has a skill set none of the other TEs have.
Not questioning this specific decision, but we haven't won a super bowl in a long time in part because our roster has been filled with guys who didn't fulfill on their physical potential, whether that is for mental health, off field issues, chronic injuries, or just never getting past being a raw talent.
We got to the playoffs when Parcells came because he started picking players based on some certainty on what we will get. Jones made a fortune being comfortable with uncertainty, but it's not a reliable way to build our football team.
I'd like to see us make these bets more selectively. That said I like Gathers. He has the size to block, the question is whether he will work at it.