The New England Patriots have agreed to trade Rob Gronkowski to the Buccaneers in a deal that reunites the retired tight end with Tom Brady in Tampa Bay.
Gronkowski’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said Tuesday on SportsCenter that the five-time Pro Bowler has been “really invigorated” physically since he retired from football nearly 13 months ago.
“He tells me he feels fantastic, the best he’s ever felt,” Rosenhaus said. “His weight’s back up to 260. He passed his physical with flying colors today. He’s just really excited about playing football again, and being in Florida is exciting for him.”
Gronkowski told Fox Sports in a text message: “I’m back. I always said when I have that feeling and it feels right, I will be ready to take the field again. And I have that feeling. I’m ready.”
Gronkowski, who turns 31 next month, has one year and $9 million remaining on his contract.
The Buccaneers announced the details of the trade in a news release Tuesday. New England will receive a fourth-round pick (No. 139 overall) in this week’s draft, and Tampa Bay will also receive a seventh-round pick (No. 241 overall).
“Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends in NFL history and he plays the game with the type of passion and desire that sets him apart,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. “Rob has played his entire career alongside Tom Brady, and their accomplishments speak for themselves. Together they have developed the type of chemistry on and off the field that is crucial to success.”
Tampa Bay was the only team Gronkowski was willing to end his retirement to play for, a league source told Schefter.
Rosenhaus noted on SportsCenter that “playing with Tom Brady obviously is huge” and said Gronkowski contacted him about joining Brady after the star quarterback left the Patriots for the Buccaneers last month.