One of the most celebrated, decorated, and statistically and physically dominant tight ends in NFL history, Rob Gronkowski once again holds all the cards. Retire? Stick with Tom Brady? Or pursue new challenges on a new team? As we dig deeper into free agency, what are some intriguing landing spot predictions for this soon-to-be 33-year-old?
Predictions for Rob Gronkowski in 2022 NFL free agency
PFN CEO and co-founder Matt Cannata wrote about Gronk earlier this week and offered some ideal teams where he could sign. Because the NFL landscape keeps changing hour by hour, we need to inject some updated thoughts into the conversation. And because Matt is my boss, I deftly wrote “inject some updated thoughts” instead of “question everything my boss previously said,” which might have come across badly.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As Matt suggested the other day, Gronk re-signing with Tampa Bay might require some creative accounting practices. They currently don’t have the cap space to pay market value for Tom Brady’s best friend.
Now, if I were Tom Brady’s best friend, I would play for him for free, just knowing I could pick up the phone and call him anytime, day or night.
But Gronk’s legacy goes beyond being the best friend to the best quarterback in the best football league on the best planet in the universe. He’s accomplished everything and more. A return to Tampa Bay would be a “let’s get the gang back together” decision, as they push for another ring. In a video released on Wednesday, Gronkowski said “there is a very good chance” he returns to the Buccaneers but also suggested he might make Brady sweat on his decision a little.
Tennessee Titans
As I’ve been pushing all offseason, the Titans need a shot in the arm at tight end. Anthony Firkser, Geoff Swaim, and MyCole Pruitt are fine role players. Last year, they notched a combined 89 catches for 646 yards and 10 touchdowns. Hey, that’s quite good!
But these are situational pieces. To get to that next level — to help Ryan Tannehill return to the above-average play we’ve seen before — the Titans need a consistent playmaker. Despite Gronk’s advanced years and mileage, it’s easy to forget that he’s the same age as Travis Kelce. Surely he’d be a dramatic upgrade at Tennessee’s tight end position, helping to give the Titans one of the more potent aerial attacks in the AFC.
Los Angeles Chargers
After letting Hunter Henry walk last offseason, the Chargers signed Jared Cook to a one-year deal. Donald Parham is signed through this upcoming campaign. In other words, after re-upping with Mike Williams and beefing up their defense, LA still has a hole to fill at tight end.
For all of the Chargers’ offseason moves, perhaps none would be as big of a game-changer as signing Gronkowski. That might sound like hyperbole, and maybe it is. But given what this team might get from Parham if he’s their Week 1 starter compared to what they could get from Gronk, we’re talking about potentially a 50-catch, 500-yard, 6-TD upgrade.
Yes, that would be a game-changer. Herbert continuing to throw to Keenan Allen, Williams, and Joshua Palmer while Austin Ekeler does Austin Ekeler things? Then it comes down to whether the defense helps push this team into the playoffs. Herbert and Co. continuing to do what they do . . . with Gronk? Now we’re talking about a full-throttle offense — perhaps the best collection of key playmakers in the league, rivaling even the Chiefs, Bills, Bucs, Broncos, and Rams.
Uhhhh… Hello? Buffalo is clearly the best option for both parties.