Patriots Officially Trade Rob Gronkowski & 7th-Rd Pick To Buccaneers For 4th-Rd Pick

Update:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have confirmed that they’ve officially traded for Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski on Tuesday. 

“Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and he plays the game with the type of passion and desire that sets him apart,” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. “Rob has played his entire career alongside Tom Brady and their accomplishments speak for themselves. Together they have developed the type of chemistry on and off the field that is crucial to success. Rob combines elite-level skills as both a receiver and blocker but what really makes him special is the fact that he’s a proven winner who brings that championship mindset and work ethic.”  

Adam Schefter is now reporting that Rob Gronkowski officially has passed his physical and the trade to the Buccaneers is now complete. 

Adam Schefter reports that the Patriots are trading TE Rob Gronkowski and a seventh-round pick to the Buccaneers for a fourth-round pick. The deal is pending a physical. 

Schefter says Tampa Bay was the only place that Gronkowski was willing to play. 

Gronkowski’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, tells Schefter: “Pending the physical, Rob has agreed to play for Tampa this season. He will honor his current contract at this time.”

Jay Glazer reported that Gronkowski has already taken a physical for the Buccaneers and the results should be in at some point in the next 24 hours. 

NFL Insider Leroy reported two weeks ago that Gronkowski was “strongly considering” a return to the NFL and looking to play for the Buccaneers and Brady. 

It remains to be seen what the Buccaneers will do with TE O.J. Howard, who has reportedly been on the trading block. Many thought he could be included in a deal for Gronkowski, but it appears as though the Bucs have other plans for him. 

Gronkowski, 30, is a former second-round pick of the Patriots back in 2010. He was in the sixth year of his eight-year, $55.23 million contract that included $13.17 million guaranteed when he made the decision to return last year. 

Gronkowski is owed $9 million for the 2020 season to go along with another $1 million available in workout and roster bonuses.

For his career, Gronkowski has caught 521 passes for 7,861 yards receiving and 79 touchdowns for the Patriots over the course of nine seasons and 115 games. He has been a five-time Pro Bowler and a made four first-team All-Pros. He was also the Comeback Player of the Year in 2014.