Report: New England Patriots Had Trade Lined Up For Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski is one of the brightest star in New England but there was a moment this offseason where the Week 3 game between the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions would’ve been more than a Matt Patricia reunion.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter said that the Patriots and Lions were talking about the possible Rob Gronkowski trade, and the process culminated during the NFL Draft. When he heard about the possibility to be traded to the Lions, Gronkowski pushed back and even threatened to retire.

Things got even more complicated, and Gronk was just declining Detroit’s phone calls. So, the tight end resisted and met with head coach Bill Belichick to clear the air. The Patriots dropped the discussions with Detroit at the very same moment.

This wasn’t the first time for Gronk to be subjected to a trade discussion. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network said the Patriots had several interested parties. Prior to the team’s opener against the Houston Texans, Rapoport said that the Lions were closest to getting Gronk.

When asked about this report, Gronk got really confused. He was informed a bit later, and the only thing he did was double down for his love of being in Foxboro. “I was wondering why they were asking me that on the field right after the game. I was like, ‘Where is this coming from again?’ I’m just glad to be here. Glad to be part of this team. Glad to be part of this organization. And all that talk, all that stuff, I would love to put it in the past whatever it is, whatever reports keep coming out. I’m here, I’m here to stay and I’m here to keep playing ball with the Patriots and just enjoying my time here,” he said.

Gronk had $4.3 million in incentives added to his deal after the meeting with Belichick.