Rob Gronkowski running it back with Buccaneers for another year

Rob Gronkowski is sticking with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 2021 after coming out of retirement and helping them to the Lombardi last year.

Rob Gronkowski played a pivotal role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl LV triumph, and he is on board for their push to retain the title in 2021.

Gronkowski became the latest member of the Buccaneers to decide to run it back for next season, signing a one-year deal to remain with Tampa Bay. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the contract is worth up to $10 million. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Gronkowski’s deal is worth $8 million and he can reach the full value of the contract with incentives.

His return follows news of Shaquil Barrett re-signing with the Bucs, who previously inked linebacker Lavonte David to a two-year deal and franchised wide receiver Chris Godwin, succeeding in keeping the free agents who played a significant role in the franchise winning its first Super Bowl title since the 2002 season.

The four-time first-team All-Pro’s comeback season saw him catch 45 passes for 623 yards and seven touchdowns, but his biggest impact came in the Super Bowl. Gronkowski caught six passes for 67 yards and a pair of touchdowns as the Bucs routed the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9.

Gronkowski had seemingly flirted with the idea of playing next season with a different team. Per Pro Football Talk, he said on the ’10 Questions with Kyle Brandt’ podcast that he wanted to “dip his toe into free agency”.

However, Gronkowski clearly did not find a situation that compares to what he has in Tampa, where he benefits from a near-telepathic understanding with Tom Brady and has the benefit of playing on a roster that is loaded on both sides of the ball.

Gronkowski celebrated his contract by posting a gif from the Spongebob Squarepants theme on his Twitter account. Should he repeat his postseason performance next year, there is a strong chance he will be able to bring his trademark exuberance to a back-to-back title party.