The Tampa By Buccaneers made another splash by trading for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. It seems in order for him to come out of retirement, it was Tampa Bay or bust.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Bucs were his only preferred trade destination:
Tampa Bay was the only place that Rob Gronkowski wanted it was willing to play, per league source. So if Gronkowski passes his physical, he will get his wish.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2020
The prospect of Tampa Bay being the only potential landing spot hardly comes as a surprise. It is safe to say that playing alongside quarterback Tom Brady had been the deciding factor for Rob Gronkowski to come out of retirement and begin a new chapter with his former teammate.
Although the idea of two of his most prolific players teaming up elsewhere was hardly ideal for head coach Bill Belichick, it seems the inevitability of the situation spurred him to make a quick deal. As a result, the Patriots reportedly parted ways with Gronkowski and a seventh-rounder in exchange for a fourth-round pick from the Bucs.
There was already no shortage of firepower for Brady to work with upon his arrival in Tampa Bay. The offense had already been led by its lite receiver tandem in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Meanwhile, running back Ronald Jones was finally able to show his promise as a former second-round pick during the 2019 campaign.
The Bucs currently boast two viable tight ends on the roster in Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard. Of course, there has been plenty of speculation regarding Howard's uncertain future and Gronkowski's arrival seemingly solidifies the notion that he could be on his way out via trade.
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