Rob Gronkowski is facing another decision regarding his playing career. With Tom Brady out of the league, the pending free agent is expected to follow his longtime teammate into retirement. If he does continue his career, though, Cincinnati may be his next destination. 
[Related: Tom Brady Confirms Retirement]
During an interview published in the Cincinnati Enquirer, the 32-year-old expressed an admiration of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. “I watched him in college. I just love the way he presents himself out on the football field. In the pocket, he’s just so calm and he just slings it out on the field”, he said. “If I had to pick a quarterback, it’d be the young buck Joe Burrow. He’s killing it right now in the game“.
Gronkowski has repeatedly said – and proved, when he unretired to play in Tampa Bay – that he would only catch passes from Brady. He also made it clear before the beginning of this season that he is playing on a year-to-year basis. To that point, Chase Goodbread of NFL.com writes that Gronkowski “was leaning toward hanging up his cleats” after the team’s Divisional Round loss, but notes that he has not officially made a decision one way or the other.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is leaving the door open to bringing Gronkowski back. ““I don’t think it’s going to be [dependent] on whether [Brady] came back or not” he said. “I know that Rob had an incredible experience here as well, and he was a big factor in us having the success that we did. We would welcome Rob back with open arms, but we’re giving him the space right now to decide what he wants to do”.
The fit with the Bengals could be a good one for Gronkowski. If C.J. Uzomah, who has earned himself a large payday with his production this season, leaves in free agency, there would be an opening at the tight end position in Cincinnati. Gronkowski, for his part, proved he can still be productive at this point in his career, posting 55 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games this year. The yardage total was his highest since an All-Pro 2017 campaign in New England.
If he does decide to keep playing, Gronkowski could be on the move for a second time, in this case to a team that will, at a minimum, enter 2022 as the reigning AFC champions. Whether he decides to retire a second time, or if the Bengals would even be interested in him, remains to be seen.
Bengals would actually be smart to sign Uzomah and not pursue Gronk. Uzomah can be around longer instead of this year to year scenario. The Bengals use Uzomah to block a lot. They have enough receivers. From what I heard, Uzomah is a licker room favorite
Might want to consider revising that last sentence.
Don’t judge what goes on in the Brownsbacker licker room…
Licker…hardly even know her.
I can attest to that. He is an incredible licker.
I think we all know Gronk has done his share of licking, so don’t count him out.
Rob Gronkowski is still one of the best blocking tight ends in the league
You might want to check out PFF. He’s ranked #27 out of all TE
Heck with it- sign both
What’s wrong with 2 good TE
They had Gronk, Howard and Brate. All starting caliber
Retirement. The NFL’s neverending loophole.
Loophole to what? He’s also a free agent.
I see Gronk going to Cincy. He gets hurt for 10 games and the Bengal Magic ends and they go 7-9.
… and be so disappointed they skip their last game.