There's been a lot of speculation surrounding the New England Patriots franchise since the team lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52. Rob Gronkowski's future with the team, and in the NFL for that matter, has been arguably the hottest topic of discussion in New England.
Not only has there been rumors swirling about Gronkowski potentially retiring to pursue a career in acting, but the most speculation involved the Patriots trading the All-Pro tight end. On Tuesday, New England made an unexpected trade to send wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams, and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, that marks the end of any trade talk involving Gronkowski.
If Gronkowski is indeed off the table in any trade talks, the Patriots brass will likely focus all their efforts to the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft. The team could conceivably select a quarterback in the draft later this month in hopes of potentially bringing in Tom Brady's successor.
As for Gronkowski, the veteran tight end still has yet to make a decision publicly on whether he wants to continue his NFL career. All signs point to Gronkowski being in a Patriots uniform when the 2018 NFL season begins, but nothing is set in stone at this point in time.
Gronkowski had another productive season in 2017 playing in 14 games during the regular season and all three games during the playoffs. The perennial Pro Bowler caught 69 passes before heading into the postseason for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. The 28-year-old was a force to be reckoned with in the postseason as well racking up 218 yards on 16 receptions with three touchdowns.