New England’s Rob Gronkowski Was Almost Traded

by
Former Writers
September 23, 2018

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Gronk Was Almost Traded

The New England Patriots almost traded their Pro Bowl tight end during the offseason. Gronk could have been playing for the Detroit Lions right now. Who knew that the big man was even on the trading block? This is definitely a surprise.

The Details

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Patriots and Lions were very close to a deal during the week of the draft. Those talks ended very quickly once Gronkowksi heard the news. The tight end threatened to retire rather than play with another team.

Patriots and Lions nearly completed a blockbuster trade in the week of the NFL draft that would have sent Rob Gronkowski to Detroit, per sources. Now Gronkowski is in Detroit to play the Lions tonight.https://t.co/Dn0DEHWmAu

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2018

There are even reports that he declined to return calls from the Lions. Who could blame him? Gronk has won two Super Bowl rings and has had great success in his career thanks to his tenure with the Patriots.

You also can’t blame him for not wanting to leave a quarterback of the caliber of Tom Brady. I’m sure Brady is excited to still have him as well since he already doesn’t have too much to throw to in the first place.

This news does make me wonder. There were grumblings around the league that the Patriots were collapsing in the front office. A proposed trade of this magnitude doesn’t help to silent those talks. In fact, the team was talking to a number of franchises about Gronkowski.

It’s not exactly something you want to hear as a Patriots fan. However, things did turn around for both parties. The Patriots restructured Gronk’s contract by adding $4.3 million in incentives for this season.

He will definitely try to achieve at least 70 catches, 1,085 yards receiving, at least nine touchdowns, and 80% playing time. If he achieves at least three of these goals, he’ll earn an extra $3.3 million. His salary-cap charge also won’t be hugely affected as a result.

Even though numerous injuries in his career have hobbled Gronk, he is one of the game’s best tight ends. Most importantly, he’s the best target Tom Brady has at this point. New England’s game against the Lions should be very interesting tonight.