Latest On Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski

Multiple teams are planning to call the Patriots in regards to tight end Rob Gronkowski‘s availability, according to Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter link).

Despite February rumors that Gronkowski could choose to retire this offseason, most subsequent reports have indicated the 28-year-old All Pro intends to return in 2018. Gronkowski has reportedly been working out at Tom Brady‘s Sports Therapy Center, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link) reported Monday that nothing has changed in terms of Gronk’s status. Indeed, there may never be a formal announcement from Gronkowski — he may simply show up for offseason workouts and continue his career.

While Gronkowski seems intent on playing in 2018, it’s possible that he won’t be suiting up in New England. As Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk writes, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick hasn’t been afraid to deal stars in the past. Edge rusher Chandler Jones, defensive lineman Richard Seymour, guard Logan Mankins, and linebacker Jamie Collins are among the players Belichick & Co. have traded, often times for what seemed like pennies on the dollar.

Plus, Belichick and Gronkowski’s relationship appears to be at a low point, as Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com recently reported the Patriots head coach may not believe Gronkowski is “all in” at this juncture. Gronkowski, for his part, is reportedly frustrated with Belichick and others in the New England organization, and is put off by the club’s “high-strung” culture. Those differences, per Darlington, aren’t believed to be irreconcilable.

Gronkowski, of course, is still a dominant player when healthy. In 2017, Gronk was on the field for 14 games, and managed 69 receptions, 1,084 yards, and eight touchdowns, all of which placed him within the top-five among tight ends. He’s signed through the 2019 campaign, with base salaries of $8MM and $9MM over the next two respective seasons.

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