Bill Belichick vs. Mac Jones Trade? Gronk Takes a Patriots Side in 'Fake News' Debate

"In the future,'' Gronk says of a Patriots trade, "if Mac Jones doesn't put it together with (new coordinator) Bill O'Brien, I could see that being a possibility after this season.''

In one breath, New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski labels the idea of a feud between quarterback Mac Jones and coach Bill Belichick leading to a trade "fake news.''

But on the next breath ...

Appearing on Up & Adams with Kay Adams, "Gronk'' was asked to reflect on the idea of Jones being traded.

"I think that was fake news,'' he replied, citing what would be a result of "too much turnover. "There was just too much turnover this (past) year... If you're shipping your quarterback that's just too much turnover to have in one offseason ... I don't think that's real news.''

As a sidebar: It could be argued that "too much turnover'' that would result in, say, the Ravens Lamar Jackson playing QB in New England, would have an overall positive impact.

But back to Gronk, who included an addendum to his "fake news'' take.

"But in the future,'' he said, "if Mac Jones doesn't put it together with (new coordinator) Bill O'Brien, I could see that being a possibility after this season.''

Patriots fans obviously hope that, assuming the coach and the quarterback are at peace, that Mac returns to his first-year form. Jones was a breakout standout in 2021, qualifying for the Pro Bowl while helping the Patriots to the playoffs as a rookie. Arguably, the central reason for his dip in 2022 was the Patriots' overhauling of a coaching staff featuring offensive leadership that wasn't qualified to do the job.

But getting the parties "at peace'' might be a challenge. ... meaning "fake news'' could inch nearer reality.

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