Rob Gronkowski has transformed the tight end position. He's a 6-foot-6, 265-pound pass-catching machine who linebackers can't keep up with and defensive backs can't handle.
But would the New England Patriots considering trading him away? It sounds more and more like they would.
Gronkowski is reportedly frustrated with "The Patriot Way." The mental fatigue of a long season, plus a concussion suffered that nearly kept him out of the Super Bowl, wore him down to the point of contemplating retirement.
His relationship with coach Bill Belichick also got strained during a season -- and moreso this off-season -- that ended one win short of the ultimate goal.
Gronkowski said after the Super Bowl he'd take a few weeks to decide whether he would return to 2018 or retire in his prime. But it's been more than two months, and still no decision has been announced.
ESPN is reporting that Gronkowski is likely to return, but has the relationship with the Pats broken to the point that New England is considering trading away Gronk?
SportsLine's oddsmakers have established odds on where he's playing in 2018, if anywhere:
Which team will Rob Gronkowski play for in 2018?
New England Patriots 2/1
San Francisco 49ers 6/1
New York Giants 7/1
Los Angeles Rams 8/1
Buffalo Bills 8/1
Houston Texans 10/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 15/1
No team-Retire 6/1
Field 9/1
Gronkowski, 28, earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2017, with 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight TDs, all team highs for the AFC champion Patriots.
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Gronkowski is "pretty certain" to return, according to sources close to him. He indicated that he's willing to return if QB Tom Brady also comes back. There's no indication that Brady is contemplating anything other than playing for at least one more season.
But what if the relationship between Gronkowski and Belichick isn't repaired? Belichick may try to deal the tight end for a king's ransom -- and he's likely to get it.
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PICK: Professional football can be brutal, especially for those who have suffered concussions. He wouldn't be the first player to retire in his prime.
And let's face it: Gronk is a celebrity now. He can make a very good living without pads if he wants to.
But I would expect the talent tight end to return. And while Belichick has been known to trade players who don't embrace his way of doing things, I think losing Gronk may damage the coach's relationship with Brady, and that's not worth it. Look for cooler heads to prevail, and Gronkowski to stay with the Patriots for another Super Bowl quest.
