Rob Gronkowski. (Harry How/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Former Patriots star Willie McGinest mentioned on NFL Network this week he wouldn't be surprised if Rob Gronkowski sits out a while, then re-joins the Pats part-way into the upcoming season.
Former Pats Star Willie McGinest Has Unique Theory On Gronk's NFL Future
Is Rob Gronkowski coming back to the Patriots next season? Hear what Willie McGinest thinks.
The tight end still hasn't decided if he'll play or retire—though he's under contract with a $9 million base salary.
NFL Network reported the team's tentatively planning to have Gronkowski back, but his agent Drew Rosenhaus told the Peter King Podcast he certainly believes the future Hall of Famer has options off the field.
"He loves playing with Brady and Belichick and his teammates, he loves to win championships—but at the same time, the amount of pain and punishment that he's had to endure for someone that can do something outside of football and be a huge success, whether it's broadcasting or acting or endorsements, Rob has so many opportunities," Rosenhaus said.
Gronkowski will turn 30 in May, and the All-Pro does have a history of injuries after nine NFL seasons, so it's no surprise he's taking his time to consider the physical toll.
Pats added Matt LaCosse but, without Gronkowski, would definitely be thin at tight end. Dwayne Allen was released.
WBZ NewsRadio's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports