The New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski could make his return to the league sooner than anyone thinks. According to several sources, the tight end made a comment following the wild schedule he has as a contributor to FOX Sports that he “might as well go back to football.” However, it isn’t the first time the future Hall of Famer made his return to the league after doing that to team with another Legend Tom Brady to bring a Super Bowl win for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Originally selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, the former Arizona product became one of the most dominant tight ends in the league pairing with Aaron Hernandez to to set team records for the Patriots.
Gronkowski was the complete package for the Patriots as a pass catcher and blocker, becoming the first player in his position to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2011. While one source believes Gronkowski could join Sean Payton in Denver considering the history the two have working together when Payton was a studio analyst before taking over as head coach of the Broncos. However, many should expect Gronkowski to measure all options that are out there and assess where he wants to play either way.
Patriots Legend Rob Gronkowski Could Return Once Again – 5 Teams That Could Bring Him Out of Retirement
Top Possible Fits
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This landing spot is a no-brainer for both parties, especially since the Buccaneers need any capable pass catcher to help elevate the passing game for Baker Mayfield’s offense. Mike Evans is currently the only active wide receiver while Chris Godwin could sign a long-term contract extension elsewhere. Gronkowski would have no problem picking up where he left off in Tampa where he won his fourth and final Super Bowl.
Kansas City Chiefs
New reports came out that Travis Kelce will come back at least one more season. It should be no shocker if the Chiefs express interest to bring Gronkowski in the same tight end department to increase their chances for another Super Bowl. As of this posting, Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are the only active youngsters that will stay but the future looks bleak for DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown. Perhaps, Gronkowski could join the darkside to give opposing defenses a nightmare of him pairing with Kelce.
Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews’s future continues to be a difficult one is dissect. The Baltimore Ravens say they will keep him in their future plans but it’s hard to imagine they’d do so considering their cap space. Isaiah Likely is their long-term man but they could use Gronkowski as a strong veteran presence to finally have that last push for Lamar Jackson’s first ring.
Los Angeles Chargers
For the right situation, the Los Angeles Chargers would get more nostalgia on their roster after hiring head coach Jim Harbaugh last offseason. Harbaugh would be open to bringing Gronkowski to be their temporary starter and he would be a significant upgrade over Will Dissly. Gronkowski probably won’t be the same elite player but his presence could give Justin Herbert another boost in the passing game.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the Saints don’t have the financial freedom to sign the best available free agent in Mike Gesicki but they could afford Gronkowski on a one-year deal. No matter who the quarterback will be, new head coach Kellen Moore should put the future signal-caller in the best position to win football games. Gronkowski has the size and hands to make big players which could intrigue the Saints to sign him on a temporary deal.
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