Rob Gronkowski has been the subject of frequent headlines all offseason. Whether it was trade rumors that turned out to be false, rumblings about a potential retirement, or missing a few OTA’s along with Tom Brady, Gronkowski has stayed in the news. Many speculated that Gronkowski would hold out from training camp after he made his unhappiness with his current contract clear, but that was apparently never an option. Speaking to the media today after practice, Gronkowski said he didn’t “come close to considering” a hold out (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).
Gronkowski went to great lengths to emphasize his commitment to the team and downplay concerns about his contract, saying he was going to “keep preparing, keep showing up every day. Keep doing what I got to do.” Since Gronkowski had previously not been nearly as forceful, perhaps he’s confident a deal will get done soon. Either way, it’s one less headache for the team in what has been an unusually dramatic offseason in New England.
While it was reported back in June that a new contract for Gronkowski was “likely”, a deal still is yet to be done. It looks as if that might not change anytime soon, as a source told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk that “nothing is imminent” between the two sides. Whenever it does happen, Gronkowski should get a significant raise on his $8MM annual salary.
Gronkowski is clearly unpaid in 2018’s market. As Florio points out, far inferior tight ends such as Trey Burton and Jimmy Graham are making as much as or more than Gronkowsi this year. Back in 2012, Gronkowski signed what was at the time the largest contract ever for a tight end. Our Zach Links recently took a look back at that deal as part of our ‘This Date In Transactions History’ series. Since then, the market for top tight ends has exploded, and Gronkowski’s contract turned into a steal for the Patriots.
“Gronkowski is clearly UNDERpaid in 2018’s market”
His name isn’t Brady. He can seek a massive payday somewhere else. I’m not going out on a limb here when I say Gronk needs NE more than they need him.
I disagree, he is underpaid and is one of the best offensive players in the league. He does have an injury history that hinders his negotiations but he should be the highest paid tight end in the league. If the pats were to trade him, the offense would struggle. Especially this year pats need gronk more than he needs them he could put up great numbers in several if not all offenses
The Pats offense would still be Top 3 without him. They have a very balanced WR Corps. They are primed to have a strong run game. Offenses live and die with their QB. Not their TE. Future HOF’er or otherwise.
It’s hard to replace a guy like him. Would Brady make it work without him? Of course he would. That’s what makes him great but they’re certainly better with him that without him. Having a guy almost no one can cover isn’t something you just find every year
There in lies the conundrum…
The trade rumors werent false.
next stop Tennessee?
Ummm yes the Pats need him 1000 more times than he needs them. Could you imagine him with Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Brady and Co would up a creek without him. Not at all a Pats fan but a beast is a beast whoever the QB is.
I have sacrificed livestock in the hopes NE would miss the playoffs, but Brady has made men’s careers. Take a poll and ask any head coach or exec in the NFL who they would rather have; Brady or Gronk. 99% would take Brady without hesitation and that 1% was the Cardinals GM who didn’t respond cause he’s suspended.