TAMPA, Fla. _ Rob Gronkowski remains retired, but when asked this week whether a reunion with new Bucs quarterback Tom Brady is possible, the former Patriots tight end left the door open.
Gronkowski, who was one of Brady's favorite targets in New England, retired 13 months ago. And since then he has wavered between being happy with not playing and entertaining a comeback.
On the latest episode of Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live," host Andy Cohen asked Gronkowski if he could play with Brady _ who signed a two year deal with the Bucs last month _ again.
"I'm feeling good right now, I'm happy where I'm at, and you just never know, man," Gronkowski said. "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."
Rumors about Gronkowski landing with the Bucs aren't new. The Patriots still hold his rights, though he's not under contract.
The Bucs already have a strong pass-catching tight end duo with O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate, but there have been reports that the team has been shopping Howard in the days leading up to this week's draft. Trading Howard would seemingly make space for Gronkowski.
There just seems to be too many pieces here _ Gronk's inability to squash a rumor, the Bucs looking to open a spot for a tight end and the obvious fact that Brady might like to lean on his most dependable pass catcher as he transitions to a new team _ for the "Gronk to the Bucs" talk to not have any legs.
Brady threw more of his 541 career touchdown passes to Gronkowski (78) than any other receiver. They played together nine seasons with the Patriots.
Still, a lot would have to happen before the Gronkowski Bucs jerseys go on sale.
