Rob Gronkowski is on the verge of dusting off his surgically-repaired limbs to join his BFF in Florida. The Patriots all-world tight end is about to end his brief retirement and team up with Tom Brady again.
The NFL Network reported Tuesday that the Patriots and Buccaneers had been discussing a trade involving Gronk after he informed The Evil Empire that he wants to play again.
The Patriots then dealt Gronkowski and a seventh-rounder pick in exchange for a fourth-rounder.
“Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history, and he plays the game with the type of passion and desire that sets him apart,” Bucs GM Jason Licht said in a statement. “Rob has played his entire career alongside Tom Brady and their accomplishments speak for themselves. Together they have developed the type of chemistry on and off the field that is crucial to success. Rob combines elite-level skills as both a receiver and blocker, but what really makes him special is the fact that he’s a proven winner who brings that championship mindset and work ethic.”
Gronk, who will turn 31 next month, has started to put weight back to his frame to prepare for another run with Brady.
The duo won three Super Bowls in Foxborough before Gronkowski called it quits after a litany of surgeries sapped him of his superpowers. He spent his time away from football doing Gronk things like winning a championship belt at Wrestlemania recently.
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The four-time All-Pro and future Hall of Famer has one year remaining on his contract for $10 million, so he won’t technically be able to join Tampa Bay until Bill Belichick trades him.
A Brady-Gronk reunion would bolster an already explosive offense that includes star wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Gronkowski has 521 career receptions, 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns to go along with a parade of memorable moments in the postseason.