After trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Rams on Tuesday, the Patriots will not be dealing tight end Rob Gronkowski, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). In fact, New England has not held any talks regarding a possible Gronkowski trade, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Earlier this week, Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com reported that several clubs were planning to call the Patriots and inquire on Gronkowski’s availability. That could still happen, of course, but it doesn’t sound as though New England has any interest in or motivation to trade their All Pro tight end.
Despite February rumors that Gronkowski could choose to retire this offseason, most subsequent reports have indicated the 28-year-old All Pro intends to return in 2018. Gronkowski has reportedly been working out at Tom Brady‘s Sports Therapy Center, and Rapoport reported Monday that nothing has changed in terms of Gronk’s status. Indeed, there may never be a formal announcement from Gronkowski — he may simply show up for offseason workouts and continue his career.
Gronkowski, of course, is still a dominant player when healthy. In 2017, Gronk was on the field for 14 games, and managed 69 receptions, 1,084 yards, and eight touchdowns, all of which placed him within the top-five among tight ends. He’s signed through the 2019 campaign, with base salaries of $8MM and $9MM over the next two respective seasons.
I’m expecting a Manziel article next, if not Aldon Smith
The fact that a speculation based on assumptions now warrants a reassurance that all the baseless speculation is is fact baseless is sooo perfectly football and it’s idiotic fans and media.
Before we blame this all on football, lets remember that it was Freud who said “Sometimes a cigar, is just a cigar”.
Gronk hungry. Trade Gronk to IHOP.