Rob Gronkowski’s comments don’t make Tom Brady-Patriots reunion seem likely

Will Tom Brady wind up back with the New England Patriots this offseason? Former teammate Rob Gronkowski had some thoughts.

To be fair, Gronk did not say a Patriots-Brady reunion was unlikely. However, what he did make clear is that narrative isn’t driving the conversation. Rather, Brady is at the age where he will play for a team that offers him the motivation to come to work each day.

By the end, New England and now Tampa Bay didn’t give him that same drive.

“Whatever opportunity makes him the most excited to play the game of football, that’s where he will be next year,” Gronk said, via The NFL on FOX pregame show.

As for Gronkowski himself, there’s no inclination he plans to un-retire anytime soon, unless specifically asked by Brady.

Could Tom Brady return to New England Patriots?

New England would be best-served to give Mac Jones another shot next season. Sure, his second year didn’t offer the same level of progression as his rookie campaign, but the Alabama product was a first-round pick for a reason. Also, such step forwards are rarely linear for any quarterback, minus the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.

Sitting Jones behind Brady, if even for a year, would be a detriment to his confidence and ability as a passer. Once Jones is benched, it’s tough to go back to him.

Pro Football Talk listed the following teams as franchises to watch for Brady: “the 49ers, Raiders, Dolphins, Jets, Titans, Patriots, and — if Sean Payton ends up there — the Panthers.”

If New England can get Brady in a room with good friend Robert Kraft, perhaps he can make things right between TB12 and Bill Belichick enough for the best QB of all-time to finish his career where it started. For now, though, Gronkowski’s statement is vague enough to be left up to interpretation.