Rob Gronkowski will skip Patriots OTAs while debating retirement

The recent drama in Foxborough continues with the latest news regarding talented New England Patriots’ tight end Rob Gronkowski.

There is that unsettling feeling once again. It began late last year with an on-line piece and has continued since a 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. That’s not to say that the New England Patriots aren’t building another roster capable of winning another Lombardi Trophy. But the most recent report certainly can’t make legendary head coach Bill Belichick feel good.

Via ESPN’s Adam Schefter, tight end Rob Gronkowski still has not made up his mind on whether he wants to continue his NFL career. But as you can see, this is certainly not a surprise to the organization and both parties are certainly in tune with the situation.

Gronkowski comes off a dynamite 2017. He led the AFC champions in catches (69), receiving yards (1,084) and touchdown grabs (8) despite playing in 14 games. In eight seasons, the four-time All-Pro has totaled 474 receptions (76 for scores) in a mere 102 regular-season outings. He added 16 catches for 218 yards and three touchdowns during the club’s three-game postseason run this past year.

So what does this mean for the defending AFC champions? Yes, the Pats have once again been busy this offseason. And thanks to some wheeling and dealing this year and last, the club owns a pair of first- and second-round selections in April’s draft. So does any of that play into the team adding a tight end early in the process? Dwayne Allen remains on the roster and the club did sign Troy Niklas away from the Arizona Cardinals.

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Of course, any hint of disharmony or the possible departure of a key player always has the hypothetical vultures circling Foxborough. And it certainly remains to be seen if the talented tight end is ready to step away from the game he obviously excels at.