Rob Gronkowski, Patriots Agree to New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

The New England Patriots reportedly restructured a $10 million bonus due to tight end Rob Gronkowski into two separate payments on Tuesday. Instead of one bulk payment at year's end, he'll receive $4 million now and $6 million at a later date, as reported by ESPN's Field Yates.

Joel Corry of CBS Sports noted the Patriots have until the final day of the 2015 league year to exercise an option on Gronkowski's contract, which will run through the 2019 campaign, per Spotrac. This option will earn him the second bonus payment.

Given the tight end's importance to the offense, there was virtually no doubt New England planned on picking up the option. Adam Schefter of ESPN pointed out the reworked bonus simply allows the team to spread the money over two years instead of one lump sum.

Gronkowski caught 82 passes for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. While he's a weapon all over the field, his biggest impact tends to come in the red zone. He's caught 54 touchdowns in 65 games across five seasons.

His role could become even larger if Tom Brady's four-game suspension for the Deflategate scandal is upheld following a court appeal. That would force Jimmy Garoppolo into the starting lineup and "Gronk" would serve as his safety-valve option.

Ultimately, the restructured bonus doesn't change much for Gronkowski and the Patriots. He gets a little more money up front and the team gets to spread the cash out. The bottom line is one of game's most impactful players should be with the Pats through 2019.