As expected, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were on hand for the Patriots’ Tuesday morning practices. The two stars previously stayed away from voluntary offseason team activities, but it appears that all parties are now on the same page. 
It is widely believed that Gronkowski was abstaining from OTAs in order to push the Patriots for a new contract. No new deal has been reached yet, but that’s likely forthcoming. Gronk, who is signed through the 2019 campaign, is scheduled to earn a base salary of $8MM in 2018, but New England has been working on “tweaking” his deal. The Patriots are expected to add some sort of incentive package to Gronkowski’s pact, as they did last year.
The circumstances behind Brady’s absence are not quite as clear. It has been speculated that the quarterback is angling for a new deal and/or is at odds with head coach coach Bill Belichick. Brady has not confirmed such talk and owner Robert Kraft did his best to sweep those rumors under the rug. Belichick, predictably, has been mum on the subject.
Last year, Brady led the NFL in passing yards en route to his third MVP trophy. While the rumors of discord will continue to swirl in New England, Brady will look to capture his sixth Super Bowl trophy this season.
Blah blah blah just the media trying to make drama.
There was never anything here, Brady is in his 40s, Gronk has considered retirement and has had injuries almost every year. I’d rather them miss this stuff than risk them getting injured. Not to mention it literally says voluntary meaning you don’t have to show up.
The circumstances behind Brady’s absent aren’t clear? He said he wanted to spend some more time with his family. Idk if it can get any clearer than that
If I were Brady, I’d rather stay at home with my family and getting prepared for the season with my personal trainer who’s been banned from the locker room.