Gronk to TB (Tom Brady): A Gronking to Remember

DennyDoyle'sBoil

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NFLN was speculating that maybe it could be a swap of firsts
Ha. Yeah, that would have been crazy. I mean this is a fourth rounder for basically nothing. It's like finding a $20 in your pocket for the Patriots but still this all hurts.
 

nattysez

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Seems like a somewhat mediocre return. But I guess it's better than nothing.
Tampa would've been insane to have traded more. As it is, I think Gronk could've screwed the Pats by unretiring and forcing them to waive him. At least they're getting something in this scenario.
 

yecul

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He would only come back to one team so the return seems pretty good to me. If they didn't have zero leverage then best case they had one leverage if that's a thing.

Wish he'd stay retired and save his body, but if he's up for playing and with Brady already gone, this is what I'd want to see as a fan of the game. Brady is gone and Pats 2020 (if it happens) is not a rosy picture. Let's see what they can do for TB this year.
 

Soxy

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Seems like a somewhat mediocre return. But I guess it's better than nothing.
Pats have almost no leverage here. Gronk was never coming back to the Pats without Brady. No sense in holding the best TE of all-time hostage just because the return seems weak. They basically just traded up three rounds for free.
 

j44thor

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Free 4th rd pick in a very deep draft isn't a bad outcome for at most 1yr of Gronk in a season there will be no camp.
 

kartvelo

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Gronk subjecting himself to more physical abuse actually bothers me more than his playing for someone else. It's his call, though.
 

E5 Yaz

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Doesn't matter ... this will be the pick the NFL docks for Spygate II
 

NortheasternPJ

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Free 4th rd pick in a very deep draft isn't a bad outcome for at most 1yr of Gronk in a season there will be no camp.
I don't know how anyone is complaining about getting a 4th round pick for Gronk where he hasn't played for a year, was a complete mess before he retired, lost a ton of muscle and is 2 years older. I was sick of Gronk's act before he retired, he can go have fun in TB.
 

Trlicek's Whip

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A fourth rounder instead of nothing is candy in light of Gronk's physical state a year after not playing full-speed in game situations while exponentially breaking down before our eyes. I'd take the under on "Gronk healthy and active for an entire season" regardless of how many games that ends up being and think the 4th rounder looks better for the return TB + TB will get.
 

NortheasternPJ

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Is he subject to drug testing and when? We know Ben Watson missed a test when he thought he was going to retire and missed 4 games this year. I'm assuming since he's traded he's now an active player?
 

pappymojo

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Is he subject to drug testing and when? We know Ben Watson missed a test when he thought he was going to retire and missed 4 games this year. I'm assuming since he's traded he's now an active player?
Didn't the new cba make weed less of a punishment?
 

Deathofthebambino

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TB has pretty crazy TE depth now with Gronk, Howard, and Brate. Can't imagine they keep all 3.
They've got Howard on the trading block, according to multiple reports last week.

Anyone want to revisit the Bucs win total for this year now? Assuming there is even a season? I'm saying if Gronk is healthy, no chance that team doesn't go 13-3 barring any other major injuries.
 

Mugsy's Jock

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Gronk subjecting himself to more physical abuse actually bothers me more than his playing for someone else. It's his call, though.
My sentiments, too.

I wish Gronk all life happiness, so long as he doesn't join the Ravens or the Yankees. I just suspect he'll get more happiness out of a little less wear and tear on his back, knees and melon than he would out of a year with the Bucs, but that's his call to make.
 

ElcaballitoMVP

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This is definitely something for nothing. Gronk was never coming back to NE, and the only place he was going to go was TB. Getting a 4th rounder to let him play another year or two in Tompa Bay is a pretty good return.

Gronk-Evans-Godwin? Tom is going to have some fun.
 

The Social Chair

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I don't know how anyone is complaining about getting a 4th round pick for Gronk where he hasn't played for a year, was a complete mess before he retired, lost a ton of muscle and is 2 years older. I was sick of Gronk's act before he retired, he can go have fun in TB.
His last play for the Patriots was catching a deep ball that set up a super bowl winning touchdown. Relax.
 

PedroKsBambino

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I don't think Gronk was coming back for a different situation (e.g. non Brady), and I suspect he didn't want to play for Pats anymore (who don't today, look like a contender, don't have a proven QB, and with BB will remain a very demanding place to play). Glad to get something for him.

I have nothing but gratitude for Gronk and Brady.
 

DeJesus Built My Hotrod

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Would definitely keep him fresher. That's also how he was used at Arizona. He never really played with his hand in the ground until coming to New England.
I think kennycb gave him props in the other thread but we also have to acknowledge the ascendency of a dog as the top story breaker for the NFL this offseason. Schefter and Rapsheet have nothing on Leroy. He is like the Shams of the NFL, but with more boops.
 

ramfan

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Does this affect the cap in anyway? My cursory google couldn't answer
No it doesn't, his rights will be traded first and then he will unretire as a Buc. They will absorb the full cap hit.This doesn't free up any cap space for the Patriots.
 

DourDoerr

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Perhaps Tampa weather and locale played a large part too. Would Gronk have followed TB to Green Bay?
 

Zososoxfan

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I think Gronk will vibe well with the party atmosphere here in Tampa. Tom will hold things down at Duckweed Urban Market while Gronk drives a Hummer party bus up and down Howard Ave.* regularly.

*N.B. Howard Ave. is a 1-way street for the wildest stretch
 

nattysez

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They've got Howard on the trading block, according to multiple reports last week.

Anyone want to revisit the Bucs win total for this year now? Assuming there is even a season? I'm saying if Gronk is healthy, no chance that team doesn't go 13-3 barring any other major injuries.
Away: CHI, DET, DEN, LV, NO, ATL, CAR, NYG
Home: GB, KC, MIN, NO, LAC, ATL, CAR, LAR

13-3 is possible, but they have a LOT of games that I'd say are toss-ups right now. Add in that Gronk and Brady are learning a new system and Gronk is trying to get back into football shape.