Fansided

Rob Gronkowski has been thinking of retiring since training camp

By Matt Verderame

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Rob Gronkowski No. 87 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after his teams 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Rob Gronkowski No. 87 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after his teams 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski has apparently been thinking about retirement since training camp.

After the Super Bowl, one of the main talking points was the future of Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronkowski, who has played a full 16-game season only twice in his career and not once since 2011, told reporters that he was considering all options.

On Tuesday, a report from Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston revealed that Gronkowski hasn’t been happy about a litany of topics since training camp began back in August, potentially making the future Hall of Famer consider a career change. Gronkowski was able to put the angst behind him for another All-Pro season, notching 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.

Gronkowski, 28, has tow years left on his deal with the Patriots at a total value of $22.9 million. Should he retire, Gronkowski would be leaving all that money on the table, while the cap hits would be wiped off New England’s books.

If Gronkowski walks away, he would still be one of the greatest tight ends of all-time. his stats wouldn’t compare with those of Jason Witten, Antonio Gates, Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez, but few could match the impact that Gronkowski had in a short span. All told, the former Arizona star compiled 474 catches for 7,179 yards and 76 touchdowns.

Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time

The potential loss of Gronkowski would only add to what could be a tough offseason in Foxborough. The Patriots could also lose left tackle Nate Solder, running backs Rex Burkhead and Dion Lewis, corner Malcolm Butler and special teams ace Matthew Slater.