Rob Gronkowski’s retirement is back in a state of flux — maybe. The former New England Patriots tight end went back to fueling rumors that he might make a return to the NFL. But this time, it doesn’t seem like he’s interested in rejoining Bill Belichick. Gronk may just have interest in reuniting with Tom Brady, who left the Patriots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason.
Gronk was asked what he thought about the rumors he might get traded to Tampa.
“The day that I retired, within 24 hours there was already rumors that I was coming out of retirement. I’m feeling good right now, I’m happy where I’m at, and you just never know, man. You just never know. You never know. I’m not totally done, I like to stay in shape, but I’ve got to get that feeling back,” Gronk said on “Watch What Happens Live” on Monday.
In order for the Buccaneers to add Gronk, they would likely have to trade for him. The Patriots have rights to Gronk for one more season, if he came out of retirement. And it’s hard to imagine Belichick releasing Gronk to free him up to sign with a competitor. So Bucs GM Jason Licht would have to approach Belichick about a potential trade. If that came together, Gronk could fill out paperwork to return to the NFL. The Patriots and Buccaneers would finalize the trade. And Gronk would again play with Brady.
Surely, that’s an outcome Brady is hoping for. But it’s unclear whether Gronk would actually come out of retirement.
