Report: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots Working on Restructuring TE's Contract

Now that Rob Gronkowski has informed the New England Patriots he'll be returning for the 2018 season, it appears as though they've gone to work on a new contract.

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reported the Patriots plan on "tweaking" the tight end's deal.

Gronkowski, 28, has two years remaining on his contract with $17 million in base salary. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, he could earn up to $9 million in 2018 under his current deal, including bonuses. 

A restructuring could be mutually beneficial. Gronkowski would perhaps get more guaranteed money, while the Patriots could spread a bonus over multiple years on their salary cap. The Patriots could give Gronkowski his 2018 base salary as a signing bonus, add an artificial year in 2020 to his contract and spread that over the next three seasons.

Whatever they choose, the Patriots are likely just happy to have Gronkowski back in the fold. The oft-injured tight end flirted with retirement throughout the offseason before informing the team of his plan to return last month.

"I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats," Gronkowski wrote on Instagram. "I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run."

Gronkowski recorded 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns to earn his fourth first-team All-Pro selection. His and quarterback Tom Brady's relationship with head coach Bill Belichick has been the subject of multiple reports throughout the offseason.

Brady recently declined to answer when sportscaster Jim Gray asked him whether the Patriots appreciated him and had "the appropriate gratitude" for all he had accomplished.