Tight end Rob Gronkowski has confirmed that he’ll suit up for the Patriots in 2018. Now that Gronk has put the retirement rumors to rest, the Patriots appear willing to improve his contract in some fashion. Agent Drew Rosenhaus is in discussions with the Patriots on “tweaking” his deal, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald hears. 
Injuries have also limited Gronkowski of late, as he has played just 22 regular season over the last two years. With that in mind, it only makes sense that one of the game’s best tight ends would seek additional financial security. Gronkowski has probably also given himself a bit of additional leverage this offseason with rumors of him eyeing a career in acting or professional wrestling.
Last year, the Patriots and Gronk struck a deal to add incentives to his contract that protected them against another major injury. The 28-year-old (29 next Monday) achieved the top tier of the bonuses, securing a total salary of $10.75MM by earning a First-Team All-Pro selection.
This time around, the Pats and Gronk could hammer out a similar agreement. With the right incentives package, the Pats can ensure that Gronkowski keeps his focus on the gridiron rather than the silver screen or the squared circle.
Gronkowski has caught 10+ touchdowns in five of his eight NFL seasons and has the most postseason receiving touchdowns for a tight end in NFL history with 12. This year, he figures to once again serve as one of Tom Brady‘s favorite targets.
In the least surprising development in sports….