Gronk traded to Buccaneers after ending retirement

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers acquired Rob Gronkowski, who is ending his retirement, and a seventh-round pick from the New England Patriots for a fourth-round selection on Tuesday.

"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. "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.

"Rob combines elite-level skills as both a receiver and blocker, but what really makes him special is the fact that he's a proven winner who brings that championship mindset and work ethic."

Gronkowski retired at the end of the 2018 season after winning his third Super Bowl. The five-time Pro Bowl tight end spent last year in the broadcast studio as an analyst for FOX Sports.

Gronkowski, who has one year left on his contract, hinted Monday that he'd be open to a reunion with Brady, who left the Patriots to sign with the Buccaneers in free agency.

"I'm feeling good right now, I'm happy where I'm at," Gronkowski said on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen."

"You just never know, man," he added. "You just never know. You never know. I'm not totally done."

After deciding to hang up his cleats last offseason, Gronkowski said he was physically and mentally drained from football.

The 30-year-old appeared slower during his final campaign, posting only 682 yards and three touchdowns over 13 contests. He was a greater factor in the playoffs though, producing a big performance in the AFC title game against the Kansas City Chiefs and setting up the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LIII with a sprawling fourth-quarter catch near the goal line.

Gronkowski spent all nine of his previous NFL seasons in New England, where he emerged as a superstar. When healthy, he was a touchdown machine and a matchup nightmare. His 79 career touchdown receptions rank first in Patriots history. He would only return to play for the Buccaneers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

New England nearly traded Gronkowski to the Detroit Lions before the 2018 draft, but he threatened to retire if the deal was completed, saying he was uninterested in catching passes from anyone besides Brady.

The pending arrival of Gronkowski in Tampa could pave the way for the Buccaneers to trade either O.J. Howard or Cameron Brate.

Gronkowski recently signed with WWE, and he became the professional wrestling promotion's 24/7 champion at WrestleMania 36, which aired in early April.

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