Sports

Patriots reportedly trade Rob Gronkowski to Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have reportedly traded former TE Rob Gronkowski to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for a mid-round draft pick, according to multiple reports.

The Patriots will receive the Buccaneers’ 4th round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Patriots will also be sending a 7th round pick to Tampa Bay with Gronkowski.

Gronkowski, who retired from professional football following New England’s win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII, allegedly informed New England that he wanted to return to the NFL and reunite with former Patriots QB Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.

Despite his retirement in February 2019, the tight end was still under contract with New England for one more season, meaning the only possible reunion between Brady and Gronkowski would be as a result of a trade between the Patriots and Tampa Bay.

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ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported just before news of the trade broke that both teams had been in trade talks for Gronkowski leading up to the NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday.

Tom Brady signed a two-year deal with Tampa Bay back in March.

The pair have played every single season together since Gronkowski’s rookie year in 2010, except for last year when the tight end was briefly retired. Gronkowski has caught more touchdown passes (78) from Brady than any other player in the quarterback’s 20-year career.

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