Rob Gronkowski Wants to Join Tom Brady; Bucs, Patriots Talking Trade

A reunion of former Patriots could be happening in Tampa Bay.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have already had a banner offseason by signing Tom Brady, but could they really add Rob Gronkowski, too?

That's right, Brady's former tight end wants to end his NFL retirement and return to the league, and he wants to do it in Tampa Bay with his old quarterback, per multiple reports:

Sources: Retired #Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has told New England that he’s interested in playing football again — and would want to do it with the #Bucs and QB Tom Brady. A trade would have to be worked out for this to happen.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2020

The #Patriots and #Bucs have had some communication, from what I’m told. It’s not unprecedented — the #Seahawks and #Raiders did a similar trade with Marshawn Lynch. https://t.co/oS3vOXeKC9

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 21, 2020

Patriots and Buccaneers have been discussing a trade for retired TE Rob Gronkowski, per league sources. Gronkowski has one year and $10 million left on his contract. But the two sides are, and have been talking, prior to Thursday’s draft.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2020

Tampa Bay is already strong at tight end with Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard, but Howard has been rumored to be on the trade block in recent weeks. The former first-round pick could be part of a potential deal with New England, as a younger, cheaper replacement for Gronkowski.

Gronkowski has been out of the league for over a year, and would have to get back into football shape, but he's arguably the most dominant tight end in NFL history. Adding him to the roster in Tampa Bay would be another huge win for the Bucs, especially if they don't have to give up too much in return.

What felt like a fun hypothetical just hours ago is looking more and more like a real possibility for Gronk and the Bucs. There might just be another new Bucs jersey selling like crazy in the coming days.