Chandler Jones, Richard Seymour, Deion Branch, Drew Bledsoe … and now Rob Gronkowski?
The list of popular and productive players Bill Belichick has jettisoned from the New England Patriots in their prime via trade is long — and it shouldn’t be a surprise if it gets longer this offseason.
As reported by the Boston Sports Journal, a “Bill Belichick-friendly source” indicated the “longer Gronkowski goes without saying he’s all in, the chances of him being traded increases.” The piece then lists and San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams as possible destinations.
Gronkowski, who has yet to make an official decision about returning to the NFL and has been linked to taking a full-time role with the WWE, is said to have “lingering frustrations” with Belichick and become tired of the “high-strung” culture in New England.
Given Gronkowski’s indecision and Belichick’s tendency to trade a player a year early rather than a year late, it is a very real possibility the All-Pro tight end could have a new home next season despite the fact he is under contract for the next two years at reasonable numbers.
The 28-year-old missed just one game due to injury last season and led the Patriots in catches (69), receiving yards (1,084) and receiving touchdowns (eight).
With Belichick, that production doesn’t guarantee him anything. Just ask Jones, Branch and the rest.
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