Andrew Buller-Russ
For the second time in his career, Rob Gronkowski took a year off from football. But, like many others who step away from the game, Gronk has toyed with the idea of un-retiring and even reportedly contacted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in November.
While Gronkowski ultimately decided not to re-join Tom Brady and his former teammates in Tampa Bay, there’s a possibility the 34-year-old (in May) could sign with another NFL team this offseason. Yet, as Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times points out, Gronkowski reportedly told the Buccaneers he might want to resume his playing career in 2023.
With the fact that Gronk has only ever with Brady as his quarterback, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if he paired up with the legendary QB to form a Hall of Fame duo in 2023. Brady or not, let’s dive into five potential free agency destinations for Rob Gronkowski this offseason.
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Gronk re-ups for another year in Tampa Bay
If Gronkowski does decide to come back, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may present the most comfortable situation for the five-time Pro Bowl tight end. With many of the same familiar faces still on hand, either in the offense or on the coaching staff, Gronk may be able to quickly pick up where he left off.
Then again, if TB12 decides to leave the Buccaneers as a free agent, Gronkowski may not be excited to play with whoever is under center for Tampa Bay in 2023. Plus, Byron Leftwich’s departure may bring an offensive coordinator with a new offensive scheme, too, meaning Gronkowski’s comfort level wouldn’t be nearly the same. Still, if Gronk expresses an interest in picking up the cleats again unless Brady leaves town, we can’t rule the Bucs out
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Rob Gronkowski heads home, signs with Buffalo Bills
A possible Gronkowski return to the NFL likely doesn’t happen without him joining a team that already has an elite quarterback on the roster. If that’s the case, why not the Buffalo Bills?
Obviously, Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Bills could always benefit from having another pass-catching weapon behind Stefon Diggs. The biggest question here is whether the Bills would want to have so much money invested into the tight end position, with Dawson Knox on a four-year, $52 million contract as well.
Still, from Gronk’s perspective, the allure of playing in Buffalo, which is less than 15 miles from where he grew up in Williamsville, New York, may be too good to pass up. Plus, he’d get to face Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots twice per year. Who doesn’t love a good revenge year?
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Las Vegas Raiders reshuffle roster to land Gronk
The Las Vegas Raiders already have a Pro Bowl tight end with Darren Waller, but he’s played in just 20 games in the past two seasons, missing nearly as many contests (17) as he’s been available for. When healthy, Waller is one of the best, but there have been rumors of the Raiders possibly looking to trade their speedy pass-catcher this offseason.
If so, Gronkowski would appear to be a great replacement, especially considering he’d be rejoining Josh McDaniels, who spent eight years coordinating and calling the plays for the New England Patriots when Gronk was in town. Combine this connection with more dreams of Tom Brady being Derek Carr’s replacement, and suddenly the Raiders have a potent offense capable of doing damage next season.
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Gronk joins Joe Burrow’s Bengals
This one is a fun idea, but it comes directly from Gronkowski himself. Prior to his latest retirement last offseason, Gronk was asked about what other quarterbacks he’d like to catch passes from, if he could no longer work with Brady. Gronkowski’s answer? Joe Burrow.
“I kinda like this young buck QB. He’s in the Super Bowl now: It’s Joe Burrow, man.”
Rob Gronkowski when asked which QB he’d play with, if not Tom Brady (Feb. 2022)
While the Bengals weren’t able to get that elusive Super Bowl victory a season ago, it’s clear Gronk hasn’t soured on his opinion of Burrow. Gronkowski made an appearance on the ‘Up & Adams’ show back in January ahead of Cincinnati’s matchup with Baltimore in the Wild Card round, and he once again heaped praise on the Bengals QB.
Like every other team on this list, the Bengals would benefit from adding the four-time Super Bowl champion to the roster, as Hayden Hurst is set for free agency. Gronk could not only help Burrow execute in the red zone thanks to his large 6-foot-6 frame, but he’d also help provide more protection for the superstar QB. It’s a perfect fit.
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Miami Dolphins add another weapon with Gronkowski signing
We all know Gronkowski likes to have his fair share of fun. What better place to land than with the Miami Dolphins with head coach Mike McDaniel leading the way? He has an innovative offense that gets the most out of his playmakers, and athletes love playing for him.
Miami’s starting tight end, Mike Gesicki, was underutilized this past season, and he’s set for free agency, where another team may hold him in higher regard. Yet, perhaps one of the issues for Gesicki’s usage depletion in Miami was the fact that he’s a below-average blocker. This doesn’t exactly help Gronk’s case, as his run-blocking has diminished as he’s continued to age too, but he’s continued to hold up as a pass blocker, according to Pro Football Focus.
- Mike Gesicki’s PFF blocking grade: 42.8 RBLK, 54.9 PBLK
- Rob Gronkowski’s PFF blocking grade in 2021: 54.2 RBLK, 68.6 PBLK
But no matter what, Gronkowski would be an improvement over Gesicki, even in the pass-catching department. Sure, his speed is nowhere on par with Gesicki’s, but Gronk makes up for it with experience.
Who wouldn’t want to see an offense with Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Rob Gronkowski?
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