Even when it was for a short while, Bucs followers loved seeing tight finish Rob Gronkowski in Tampa Bay doing his iconic landing spike.
May or not it’s occurring once more?
In a stunning growth on Tuesday afternoon, it was reported by DenverSports.com’s Cecil Lammey that Gronkowski is contemplating a return to the NFL.
League sources inform me 4X Tremendous Bowl champion TE Rob Gronkowski is contemplating a return to the NFL.
He labored with Sean Payton at Fox & I am informed he loves Denver & QB Bo Nix. (2 of his brothers, Dan and Chris, had brief stints with the staff).
Though he’s nearing 36 years of age, might he as soon as once more don the purple and pewter, this time with quarterback Baker Mayfield throwing the ball his manner?
What Would Rob Gronkowski Have Left In The Tank?
Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski and QB Tom Brady – Photograph by: USA In the present day
It’s unlikely to occur, but in addition enjoyable to consider what Rob Gronkowski returning to the Bucs would add to the offense.
Gronkowski is a future Corridor of Fame tight finish, however he’s additionally three full years faraway from his final season within the NFL again in 2021. In a two-year stint in Tampa Bay, he remained productive, hauling in 100 receptions for 1,425 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 28 video games.
Throughout his 11-year taking part in profession, he put collectively top-of-the-line resumes for a decent finish in league historical past, with 621 receptions, 9,286 receiving yards, and 92 touchdowns.
Reuniting with Tom Brady after being traded to the Bucs for a fourth-round decide, the enduring duo picked up the place they left off from their days with the Patriots and he performed a crucial half within the staff’s 2020 Tremendous Bowl victory, connecting on six passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns.
Accidents led to him first hanging up his cleats after the 2018 season, however he got here out of retirement as soon as earlier than for an excellent state of affairs becoming a member of a Tremendous Bowl-contending staff led by Brady. Would he view the 2025 Bucs coming into an analogous window?
Led by Baker Mayfield, it’s a fully completely different and reworked offense than the one Gronkowski performed with. Huge receiver Mike Evans and left deal with Tristan Wirfs are the one starters remaining beneath contract, whereas extensive receiver Chris Godwin’s future continues to be being evaluated by basic supervisor Jason Licht.
Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Apparently sufficient, one participant from the 2020 Tremendous Bowl-winning squad already got here out of retirement as exterior linebacker Shaq Barrett made a late-season cameo in 2024. Licht by no means closed the door on Barrett’s return, and “Gronk” would possible be considered equally, though the match is extra questionable.
He would add a longtime offensive presence at this level, even when it simply taking part in a 1B to Cade Otton’s 1A on a restricted snap depend. Younger tight ends Payne Durham and Devin Culp confirmed indicators of promise down the stretch, however there is no such thing as a query that the four-time Tremendous Bowl Champion would convey a distinct dynamic to the tight finish room.
What sort of situation he’s in to play after a lot day off is the most important query mark, however he nonetheless resides within the Tampa Bay space. If Rob Gronkowski has a powerful sufficient itch to get again on the taking part in area, there could be few higher conditions than making the brief drive to Raymond James Stadium.
Whereas Cecil Lammey linked the dots to the Broncos after head coach Sean Payton briefly labored with Gronkowski at Fox, the long run Corridor of Famer’s strongest present NFL connections are with the Bucs.
