NFL
Rob Gronkowski’s Future Outlook with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gronk surprised the world by coming out of retirement and joining Tampa Bay which could have a major impact on the 2020 season
Clutchpoints
4x All-Pro TE Rob Gronkowski is making his return to the NFL and will be joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to public sources. He reunites with his Hall of Fame teammate Tom Brady as they will both wear a non-Patriots uniform for the first time ever this fall. Gronk’s one of the most charismatic characters in sports and is also an all-time great TE who’s still only 31 years old and is sure to provide more entertaining memories for fans to enjoy. On the field, it could get even more interesting.
The reunion of Gronk & Brady was 1st reported by @LeroyInsider. TB12 now has a familiar face with him in the sunshine state as they look to beat Rivers-Gates TD record for a QB-TE duo (currently trail by 11). Tampa now has the most dominant TE trio in NFL history & weapons galore https://t.co/TevFOXuPpd
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) April 21, 2020
New England’s second dynasty in the late 2010’s was largely fueled by the greatness of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. The dynamic duo are now back together in Tampa Bay where they’re surrounded by the most talent they’ve ever played with considering Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, O.J. Howard, and Cameron Brate provide an impressive group in their own right. Gronk turned retirement into more of a 1-year vacation to reunite with his buddy in the Florida sunshine. Gronk’s future comes with more questions than Brady’s after an entire year off, but people can’t forget that he’s still a physical specimen and one that could get right back to dominating in both the pass and run game.
FUTURE OUTLOOK: A-
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If Tampa Bay simply signed Rob Gronkowski, this decision would look a lot better, but it also has to be taken into account that the Buccs lost a 4th Rd Pick to add a TE to a position group among the strongest in the league. Not to mention the fact, this player hasn’t played in a professional football game since February 3, 2019. Even with O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate both being potential top-15 TE’s this season, Gronk is likely to exceed their production in 2020 and for however long the 1st-ballot HOF ends up playing in Tampa.
With the Tom Brady era fully in effect, Gronk brings some familiarity and Championship experience to a team that hasn’t made the Postseason in over a decade. Gronk, Brate, and Howard are now combining to make about $18M which is the most in the league among any team’s TE trio. For Gronk to be worth the money AND the 4th Rd Pick, he’ll have to pick up right where he left off before a 600-day hiatus between NFL games. At least Gronk kept himself somewhat physically active over the last year, and added another Championship belt to his collection.
GRADE: B-
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