As if the NFL wasn’t going to produce enough news this week with its draft. NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport is reporting retired three-time Super Bowl champion tight end Rob Gronkowski has told the New England Patriots he wants to return to football … as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
And as a follow-up, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the teams are discussing a trade for the great tight end.
Patriots and Buccaneers have been discussing a trade for retired TE Rob Gronkowski, per league sources. Gronkowski has one year and $10 million left on his contract. But the two sides are, and have been talking, prior to Thursday’s draft.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2020
And the chase off the Rapoport report continues:
Just heard from Gronk, already took his physical for Bucs, trade not completed but he’s coming back for Bucs if all goes through.
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) April 21, 2020
Of course, Gronk would reunite with the G.O.A.T., Tom Brady, who has moved on to Tampa Bay via free agency.
The only way Gronk could become a Buccaneer would be if the teams were able to work out a trade. Gronk had one year left on his contract with the Patriots — for $10 million — before he retired prior to the 2019 season.
No word on what WWE would want in return for the rights to its current 24/7 champion.
Imagine, Brady to Gronkowski as Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Never say never.
Sources: Retired #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has told New England that he’s interested in playing football again — and would want to do it with the #Bucs and QB Tom Brady. A trade would have to be worked out for this to happen.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2020
Gronk was on with Andy Cohen this week and told the podcast a reunion was not impossible. “I’m feeling good right now,” he said. “I’m happy where I’m at. You just never know, man. You just never know. You never know. I’m not totally done.”
Gronk says the only thing that’s holding him back is a passion for the game … adding, “I like to stay in shape, but I’ve gotta get that feeling back.”
His most recent activity was winning the 24/7 title at WrestleMania.