New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is known for many things around the league. He is a big tight end who parties, gets hurt easily, and dominates on the field when healthy. Gronkowski is coming off one of the worst statistical seasons of his career while failing to play 16 games for the seventh-straight season. He finished with 47 catches for 683 yards and three touchdowns.
Ultimately, this season ended with him winning his third Super Bowl ring. Rumors are circulating about the future Hall of Famer going out on top after New England's 13-3 win over the Rams.
This is not the first retirement rumor about the star Patriots tight end. Prior to the 2018 season, the Patriots were in deep trade talks with the Detroit Lions. Gronkowski himself revealed this to the media after the Patriots' 26-10 week three loss in Detroit.
According to ESPN, he said he was considering retirement because he did not want to play on a team without Tom Brady. Playing in Detroit for the Lions was not the reason. Whether that is the truth or not, that is the horse that Gronkowski backed.
No one knows what to expect with him moving forward. Gronkowski may be forced to retire due to an abundance of injuries, but no decision has been made yet. Until he makes it official, teams should still try to discuss a trade with the Patriots. There are five teams in particular that Gronkowski would fit right in with, making them significantly better immediately..
5. Detroit Lions
Yes, this almost happened, and Gronkowski threatened retirement. This time around, the Lions need to get a deal done. Head coach Matt Patricia was the Patriots' defensive coordinator, so there are ties to New England.
Saying that the Lions need help at the tight end position is an under statement. Levine Toilolo led all Lions' tight ends with just 21 catches in 2o18.
Matthew Stafford signed a $135 million extension to stay in Detroit, but they have struggled to consistently perform during that time. Gronkowski would open things up for Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay on the outside, and he is an above average blocker who can help with the Lions' historically bad run game (which is improving with Kerryon Johnson).
Take what happened prior to this past season with a grain of salt. The fact that the Lions were in deep trade talks is significant. If Gronkowski decides to play another season, he could end up in Detroit after all.
4. Houston Texans
There is a lot to be happy about in Houston, as the team has made the playoffs in three of the last four seasons. They have just one win in the postseason, but the Texans have shown signs of being close.
Deshaun Watson has shown signs of being the next big thing at the quarterback position at just 23 years old. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller serve as the top two receivers, with Hopkins emerging as one of the best receivers in the league. He has four seasons over 1,200 yards in his six year career. Imagine adding Gronkowski to this list of skill position players?
It would not be wise of the Patriots to send the star tight end to an up-and-coming team in the AFC. Houston would have to wow New England with an offer that they could not refuse.
The Texans are a player or two away from taking that next step, and there is no doubt that Gronkowski would be that guy.
3. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders were an absolute disaster this season. In year one of Jon Gruden's 10-year contract, Oakland finished 4-12.
There is controversy surrounding the quarterback position. Derek Carr signed a big contract, but his relationship with Gruden has been questioned. Basically, there is nothing positive going on in Oakland.
There is an abundance of players in Oakland who have a lot of miles on them. Jordy Nelson, Marshawn Lynch, Doug Martin — maybe Ron Gronkowski is next. The Raiders could use a veteran player who has been around winning his entire career.
Gronkowski would make Carr's job much easier. Jared Cook is more than capable of being a top target at tight end, but few players have ever performed at the position quite like Gronkowski
The asking price for Gronkowski is unknown, but the Raiders own many draft picks that they could use to get the tight end out of New England.
2. Cleveland Browns
The Browns went from winning one game in two seasons to winning seven in 2018. There may not be a team that has people more excited than Cleveland, and there is one reason: Baker Mayfield.
The number one overall pick from last year's draft came in and completely set the league on fire. He showed his skill set along with an outgoing personality and clear leadership ability.
Cleveland hired Freddie Kitchens to take over as head coach for next season. He is an offensive mind that would like to have a big target like Gronkowski at tight end. They already have Jarvis Landry on the receiving corps, and the Browns feature a strong run game with Nick Chubb that will only get better if Kareem Hunt is cleared by the league.
The Browns have turned into early favorites to win the AFC North. If they somehow find a way to add Gronkowski, they would enter the season as undisputed favorites.
1. Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones has built something in Dallas that fans are finally happy about. Dak Prescott has taken over the quarterback position, and it looks like he will be there for a long time. Ezekiel Elliott is the best pure runner in the game. Dallas made a trade that brought Amari Cooper over, and their defense is top-notch.
Dallas did something this past season that they have done just three times since 1996, winning a playoff game. The Cowboys beat the Seattle Seahawks in the Wild Card Round before losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round. This is a team that can become a force in the NFC moving forward, but they might be one player away.
The Cowboys franchise has never been afraid of the big move, bringing in big-time players countless times. If there is one team that is the most criticized, it might be America's team. Dallas needs to put a winning product on the field, and that is something that Jones is dedicated to do.
“Gronk to Dallas” would be the league's biggest headline, and it would not be close. Dallas might be the destination that could keep Gronkowski from retirement.
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