Rob Gronkowski returns to NFL, reunited with Tom Brady via trade to Tampa Bay Bucs
So much for retirement.
The New England Patriots traded tight end Rob Gronkowski and a seventh-round pick to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a fourth-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Gronkowski, who retired after the Patriots’ Super Bowl 53 win, will be reunited with his former quarterback and longtime friend Tom Brady. The duo played nine seasons together in New England, winning three Super Bowls in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
Rumblings that Gronk might come out of retirement followed the Patriots throughout the 2019 season. The rumor mill started once again following Brady’s move to Tampa Bay. ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio acknowledged the plausibility of a reunion just 11 days before the trade actual happened.
“For Gronk, Bruce Arians is the perfect coach,” Florio said Thursday on NBC Sports’ “PFT Overtime.” “...This is the kind of guy Gronk would come out of retirement for, especially if it puts him back together with his good buddy, Tom Brady.”
Gronk had done a good job squashing any gossip about his return — that is, until Monday night. During his appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” the 30-year-old gave a rather evasive answer when asked about a comeback.
“I’m happy where I’m at and you just never know,” Gronkowski told host Andy Cohen, later adding, “but I got to get that feeling back. ”
The trade ultimately boosts Tampa Bay’s already elite passing attack. Putting Gronk alongside the dual threat of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans gives Brady options for days. The Bucs’ other tight ends, namely OJ Howard and Cameron Brate, will also get a chance to learn from one of the position’s all-time greats.
What’s unclear about Gronk’s immediate future is his WWE career. The tight end currently holds the 24/7 championship following his recent win at Wrestlelmania.
Gronk, who has one year and $10 million left on his contract, had historic success with Brady under center. Their 78 touchdowns ranks fifth in NFL history among receiver-quarterback duos, according to ESPN Stats & Info.
This story was originally published April 21, 2020 at 4:43 PM.
