After all the big trades and signings that have happened this NFL offseason, one of the lingering questions remaining for teams is: What is Rob Gronkowski going to do?
When Tom Brady (very) temporarily retired, Gronkowski was singing the praises of players like Joe Burrow before hitting free agency. The tight end was being tied to the Bengals and Bills, but the Buccaneers were immediately back in the running once Brady unretired ahead of the opening of the free-agent market.
Yet, it has been crickets on Gronkowski’s end since as other dominos around the league have fallen. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus. said Thursday that Gronkowski is “undecided” about a return in 2022, in spite of the Buccaneers extending him the opportunity.
Rosenhaus said Tom Brady’s decision to end his retirement could obviously influence Gronk’s decision.
The Bucs “have offered the opportunity for Rob to come back,” Rosenhaus said. “I think he’s honestly undecided.” https://t.co/xR1yBlXAqi— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) March 24, 2022
MORE: NFL free agency tracker 2022: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades
How much does Rob Gronkowski have left?
If last season was any indication, there’s still some gas left in Gronk’s tank. Despite missing five games, he caught 55 passes for 802 yards, up from his stats in 2020 when the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl. Gronkowski continued to produce in the playoffs, catching nine passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Although the Bucs were bounced before they’d have liked, Gronkowski was hardly the issue. His connection with Brady looks as strong as ever.
What are Rob Gronkowski’s options?
Gronkowski is most familiar with Brady, but their fates aren’t intrinsically tied. Indeed, Gronkowski retired for Brady’s final season in New England, so he has his own agency as a player. If Gronkowski chose to go to the Bills or Bengals, he’d be playing with Josh Allen or Burrow, two of the most highly touted quarterbacks in the AFC.
The most obvious choice is to return to play with Brady, but he could also look to greener pastures. Gronkowski explicitly name-dropped Burrow as the quarterback he’d want to play with when Brady retired, so Brady’s return may have complicated things.
How old is Rob Gronkowski?
Gronkowski is 32 and has 11 years of NFL mileage. There’s wear and tear on his body from banged up throughout his career.
What’s next for Tampa Bay?
The Brady effect has been evident in the offseason. Chris Godwin and Leonard Fournette re-signed and the Buccaneers signed free-agent wide receiver Russell Gage.
Cameron Brate is next in line for the Buccaneers at tight end, but if Gronkowski doesn’t return, the team will have to add depth at the position. Regardless, the Buccaneers are clear front-runners in the NFC South no matter what Gronkowski ends up doing.