The Patriots deny having shopped Rob Gronkowski this offseason, but evidence to the contrary is mounting. The Pats engaged in trade talks with the Lions, Titans, Texans, and 49ers, Albert Breer of The MMQB told FS1 (transcription via NESN). 
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Recently, we learned the Patriots were discussing deals involving Gronk as recently as three days before the draft. Meanwhile, Mike Florio of PFT hears from a league source that the Patriots had conversations with more clubs than the four listed by Breer. However, a deal was never close enough for the Pats to talk to the tight end about the possibility. When Gronk put the retirement rumors to rest in April, it seems that the trade discussions were also 86’d.
Breer hears that the Patriots only discussed a potential Gronkowski trade with teams they “trust.” The tentacles of the Patriots extend to all four teams: Lions GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia used to work for the Pats, Texans head coach Bill O’Brien previously served as the Pats’ offensive coordinator, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel played for the Pats and GM Jon Robinson spent more than ten years in New England, and Bill Belichick has a solid relationship with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
For now, it seems like Gronk is staying put, but the Patriots weren’t entirely truthful when they threw water on the latest round of trade rumors. The two sides will likely hammer out a revised contract between now and the start of the season, but it’s still a situation worth monitoring.
Teams they trust? Meaning teams they feel they can get the most from without trying very hard
False. See one Jimmy G trade that everyone lost their minds about the Pats not getting enough
Bellicheck said himself he sent Jimmy G to the Niners because he knew they would take care of him unlike trading him to the Browns for more.
Belichick has a soft spot for players?
Really, that’s why the Pats got so much for Jimmy G, right??? Moron
Lol, you are funny
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHABHAAHAAAAAA
Why is Gronk paid so little at this point in his career? Did he get a big up front bonus at the beginning of this contract? That fact always seems to be forgotten at this stage…..
He was the second highest paid last season after incentives were reached.
Bc year after year he’s broken at the end of the season or for most of the season.
Highest paid TE and yet everyone wants to complain. He should have incentives added onto his contract like he did last year, but don’t be fooled. Gronk has a nice deal in place.
I dread him going to the Lions. I mean, it would be fun to see him and Stafford playing together, but as a Vikings fan, ugh.
Titans