One of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, Rob Gronkowski, officially announced his retirement via instagram on Sunday.
Gronk had an incredible nine-year NFL career, racking up nearly 8,000 yards and 79 touchdowns, not to mention multiple incredible performances in the playoffs with Tom Brady.
Gronk may have never played for Seattle, but his retirement could have a residual impact on the Seahawks this offseason.
New England is now in need of a new tight end, and they could look toward the NFL draft to fill that need. Two options for the Patriots include T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant – both who are expected to go in the late first round.
However, for New England to ensure that they nab one of those players, they will probably need to trade up – which is of course where Seattle comes in.
A handful of mock drafts have discussed a potential Patriots – Seahawks swap, which would net Seattle the 32nd overall pick as well as a pick or two in the later rounds.
Seattle is notorious for trading down in the first round, and with only four picks this season it seems very likely that they will keep the tradition alive.
With New England in need of a tight end, and two good ones available in the late first, a potential swap looks quite likely between the two squads.
