Report: Brady, Gronk part of group still upset by Butler's Super Bowl benching

Along with potentially costing the New England Patriots the Lombardi Trophy, Bill Belichick's decision to keep cornerback Malcolm Butler off the field during Super Bowl LII seems to have created tension within the locker room.

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski are among a group of Patriots players still upset with Belichick over the unexplained benching of Butler, a source told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

Butler, who signed with the Tennessee Titans this offseason, says he never got an explanation from Belichick or defensive coordinator Matt Patricia on the decision. Some have speculated it was for disciplinary reasons, while others say it was part of the game plan. Regardless, with the Patriots giving up more than 370 passing yards in the game, it's hard to argue that not even attempting to play a former Pro Bowl cornerback was an unusual decision.

Related: Belichick says he respects Butler's competitiveness, did what's best for team

Florio reiterated the belief that the Patriots expect to have Brady and Gronkowski back on the team in 2018 despite their reported issues with Butler's benching or any contract concerns.