You probably remember the story.
Prior to the 2018 draft, the Lions and Patriots discussed a trade involving Rob Gronkowski. The talks progressed to the point of an agreement, but Gronkowski threatened to retire if he was forced to play for any team other than New England and with any QB other than Tom Brady. And that was that.
It stung for the Lions at the time, and it has to sting again today.
Gronkowski, who walked away from football after the 2018 season, is reportedly coming out of retirement to join Brady and the Buccaneers. As Adam Schefter reminds us, the four-time All-Pro tight was nearly on his way to Detroit two years ago to the day.
The Patriots had actually agreed to the trade before Gronk shut it down.
Two years ago before the draft, the Patriots agreed to trade Rob Gronkowski to the Lions, but Gronk informed them he'd opt for retirement over playing with a QB other than Tom Brady. Now after a year of retirement, Gronk hoping for a pre-draft trade to reunite with his former QB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2020It's not clear what the Lions would have sent to New England, but a first-round pick is probably a good place to start. Gronkowski was coming off an All-Pro season in which he ranked first among tight ends in yards (1,084) and tied for second in touchdowns (8). He was 28 years old and signed through 2019.
A year later, Detroit spent its first-rounder on a tight end just the same in T.J. Hockenson. Here's hoping Hock has a similar career to Gronk.
