NFL Notes: Rob Gronkowski, 49ers, Jaguars, Patriots

Rob Gronkowski

Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski tells ESPN’s Cari Champion he has “no doubt” about being ready for the start of the 2017 season.

Gronkowski also said he plans to continue playing football “as long as I possibly can.”

“I’m not really sure. I still love playing the game, and as of right now, I want to play as long as I can possibly play,” Gronkowski said. “My mindset is to keep on going.”

49ers

New 49ers GM John Lynch mentioned that he doesn’t see a 2-14 team when looking at their roster and pointed to their offensive and defensive lines as promising areas for the team

“We’ve got some strides to make on this roster, but I can also tell you (that) I don’t look up at the film we’ve been watching and see a 2-14 team,” Lynch said on KNBR radio Wednesday, via the Sacramento Bee. “I see some pieces that are hard to build, you know? A great example of that, I think, you look at our offensive line and our defensive line. I’m actually excited about those groups. And those groups are where, I believe, football games are won and lost. It starts there.”

Jaguars

• Jaguars executive VP of football operations Tom Coughlin told reporters on Friday that QB Blake Bortles has a lot of work to do, particularly in regards to turnovers. Coughlin didn’t completely commit to Bortles being the team’s starting quarterback next year, but also didn’t give an indication that they could move on from him either. (Michael DiRocco)
• In regards to the two pending trades between the Jaguars and Dolphins for LT Branden Albert and TE Julius Thomas, Coughlin said he doesn’t see any reason why they won’t be completed on March 9. (Ryan O’Halloran)
• According to Coughlin, they’ve discussed the possibility of adding a fullback. (Mike Kaye)
• Ryan O’Halloran mentions that Coughlin clearly likes veteran LB Paul Posluszny, which is a pretty good indication that he will remain in Jacksonville for the 2017 season.

Patriots

• Doug Kyed of NESN takes a look at some recently released free agents who could make sense for the Patriots to consider in the coming weeks, as street free agents don’t impact a team’s compensatory picks.
• Kyed’s list includes CB Alterraun Verner, DE Jared Odrick, RB Rashad Jennings and DT Earl Mitchell.]
• Free agent DT Alan Branch indicated in an interview with Sirius XM NFL Radio that it’s possible he could depart in for a better deal with another team: “I love the Patriots, gave me a second chance and two Super Bowls but it’s a business at end of the day. I need to do what’s best for family.”