The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have re-united quarterback Tom Brady with tight end Rob Gronkowski in a trade with the New England Patriots on Tuesday.
The Buccaneers have acquired the future Hall of Fame tight end, as well as a 2020 seventh round pick from the Patriots in exchange for a 2020 fourth round pick.
We've agreed to trade for TE Rob Gronkowski.--: https://t.co/zaGisKOSFu pic.twitter.com/lujKVbOJFu
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) April 22, 2020The Williamsville, New York native had reportedly told the Patriots that he wished to return to playing this season with Brady in Tampa Bay. Since the Patriots were still in possession of his rights, a trade was needed for him to join the Buccaneers.
Gronkowski, 30, did not play in the 2019 season as he had announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons. In that time spent in New England, Gronkowski caught 521 passes in 115 games for 7,861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He finished career as a five-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, the AP Comeback Player of the Year in 2014, and a three-time Super Bowl champion in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
As a result of the trade, Gronkowski will join a tight ends room in Tampa Bay that includes veterans Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard. However, there have been reports that the Buccaneers are exploring the trade market for Howard.
During a pregame ceremony during Super Bowl LIV, both Gronkowski and Brady were named to the NFL 100 team as part of the league's 100th anniversary season.
