Rob Gronkowski Trade Rumors: Patriots 'Had No Talks,' Expect to Keep TE

Rob Gronkowski is reportedly staying put with the New England Patriots. 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots "had no talks" about trading Gronkowski and "expect to keep him." 

On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Patriots "will not be trading" the tight end after they shipped wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for first- and sixth-round picks in 2018. 

Prior to the Cooks trade, speculation had swirled about the possibility the Patriots were entertaining offers for the four-time All-Pro. 

The MMQB's Albert Breer reported "a couple teams" were planning on inquiring about Gronk's availability, while the Boston Sports Journal's Greg A. Bedard (h/t Boston.com's Nicole Yang) added the uncertainty surrounding the tight end's future could have opened the door for a deal. 

"A Bill Belichick-friendly source agreed with my thinking that once a player makes Belichick start to contemplate life without him, Belichick starts to warm to being without that player," Bedard wrote. "'He imagines you gone,' he said. The longer Gronkowski goes without saying he's all in, the chances of him being traded increases."

However, all signs are pointing toward a ninth season in New England for the tight end.

Citing sources close to the 28-year-old, ESPN.com's Jeff Darlington reported Sunday that Gronkowski is "pretty certain" he'll return instead of retiring despite "lingering frustrations" regarding his relationship with head coach Bill Belichick.