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.
I love Gronk, my second favorite Patriot but you kinda gotta take off the fan hat, he’s been flirting with retirement for the past couple offseasons and do you really wanna lose arguably the best TE to ever play for nothing?
What about this Gronk and the 31st pick to Seattle for Thomas and I believe it’s the 18th pick. Mid round picks might have to be added but Seattle fills Graham’s hole and Pats bolster their backfield while moving up
This is the first offseason that he has supposedly been considering it. You do know that the rumor was first floated by a reporter that had said, I wouldn’t put it past him if he retires? Then someone ran with it…asked Gronk after the SB. He said “where did you hear that from”. As like, I never said that.
Oh and how many times do you think he should be the highest paid TE? They already agreed to a contract and signed it making him at that point, the highest paid at his position.
Come on… best to ever play? That’s a stretch – sharpe, Gonzalez, Dallas Clark, Jason Witten , Gates, – Gronk is great , but he hasn’t played long enough yet. He can’t be talking bout retiring at 28 and even be in the conversation about the best ever TE.
Deal him. Bellichick and Gronkowski are playing a game of virtual chess. The problem with that is…Bellichick needs to reign in the locker room and will do so to show he is the leader of men. If he doesn’t, the player is larger than the headcoach. This all stems from crybaby soup from Brady over Guerrerro, but then monkey see monkey do approach by Gronk just compounded it into an ongoing, very immature social media stint…one that Im afraid Gronkowski cannot win.
Brady is of more importance and as badly as he has handled a few things, Bellichicks hands are tied until the young stud qb behind him is ready….oh wait…
How about the Browns? Njoku and the 35th pick would be good for both teams, imo.
If I’m the Pats look what the Seahawks and Giants are asking for Thomas and Beckham, an extra year of control probably gonna be cheaper than both will be cheaper than Beckham I’d start with 2 1sts, and a young player/2nd or a star and a 3rd and swap firsts
Man, imagine if he went to SanFran….
Manne I know right, we would be even more tougher to be handle
Say the patriots decided to trade him and after the trade the next week he decides to retire. Would the trade be voided or would the team that traded for him be screwed over.
Trade him to the Browns.
Trade him to Cleveland for the 4th overall pick and Garrett.
The Browns have the youngest roster in the league and are committed to a rebuild so why are they going to send assets like that to a team for a player who is closing in on retirement? If Gronk goes anywhere, it will be to a team that is just a piece or two away from being able to make a serious title run.
They have been rebuilding for an eternity , when they are done it may be the largest structure in the galaxy