Rob Gronkowski and New England Patriots Agree to a New Contract: Report

The New England Patriots and Rob Gronkowski have agreed to a contract that would replace the final two years of his rookie deal, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

Gronkowski was set to earn $540,000 this upcoming season and $575,000 in 2013—which is a huge underpayment for arguably the NFL's top tight end. 

According to the PFT report, Gronkowski's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, denies that there has been an agreement, but Florio is reporting based on a "league source."

There have been no details released on the contract, but some peg the value of the star tight end in the $9-10 million range.

Gronkowski had a remarkable 2011 season with the Patriots, as he set the single-season record for most touchdowns caught by a tight end with 17. Along with those 17 touchdowns, Gronk also caught 90 passes for a whopping 1,327 yards with an average of 82.9 yards per game, as well as 14.7 yards per reception. 

I would definitely say that Gronkowski deserves a pay raise. 

Whether or not the report proves to be true, it would be a good idea for Bill Belichick and the Patriots to lock up Gronkowski as soon as they can—it simply isn't worth the risk of potentially losing him via free agency or even dealing with a franchise-tag situation like the one they're in right now with Wes Welker. 

Be sure to check out Tony Santorsa's blog: PatriotsPlus.