Rob Gronkowski considering blockbuster team-up with Tom Brady: "Door is open for 2023"
Rob Gronkowski retired for the second time in his career after the conclusion of last season. Since then, there have been constant rumors about his return to the league, and they were fueled further after he tweeted claiming he was bored earlier this week.
Teams began inquiring about his availability and it was revealed that the Buccaneers were also in regular touch with him.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, however, gave this story more steam with a recent update.
Here's what Ian Rapoport said about Rob Gronkowski's future in the NFL:
"Remember last week he tweeted 'I’m bored' and everyone's like, does he want to play football again?... Gronk is not going to come back and play for the Bucs this year."
Rapoport continued:
"He is retired for now but certainly from my understanding, the door is open for 2023 and of course we've talked Tom Brady, a free agent at the end of this year..."
He added:
"The Bucs want him back but there is the possibility of him going somewhere else if he doesn't retire wouldn't be surprised if Gronk followed him wherever he went. Obviously that is something we will be keeping an eye on this offseason."
From @GMFB: Will Gronk be “bored” in 2023, where it stands with the #Eagles and QB Jalen Hurts, and whether we’ll see #Ravens QB Lamar Jackson this week… https://t.co/OAD9QAvH46
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers would have loved to have Gronk back this season itself since their offense has been poor, but it looks like the tight end won't return to the NFL before next season.
Tom Brady, meanwhile, will be a free agent after this season and it doesn't look like he will be retiring any time soon. If Brady ultimately decides to leave the Buccaneers, the possibility of Gronk joining him on a new team is very high.
Best fits for Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski in 2023
If Tom Brady leaves the Buccaneers, then the Miami Dolphins are likely to be brought up in the discussion for his next destination. He was previously linked with a move to Miami but that broke down due to a lawsuit filed by Brian Flores.
Tom Brady with another game-winning drive 🐐
Bucs beat the Cardinals 19-16 in OT https://t.co/18fsUaQf0K
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailao started the season well but has regressed massively over the past few weeks. They have a team ready to win and if they fail to make it big in the playoffs, we could see them pursuing Brady.
For his part, Rob Gronkowski would fit excellently alongside Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in the Dolphins offense, and under Mike McDaniel, Brady and Gronk could bring a Super Bowl to Miami and rub some salt on the Patriots' wounds.