Report: Rob Gronkowski to Report to Patriots' Training Camp Amid Contract Talks
July 17, 2018
New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski is "expected to report to Patriots' training camp July 25 on time," according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
There have been questions about whether Gronk would report to camp on time given his ongoing contract negotiations and desire for a reworked deal, though it appears as though he won't be holding out this summer.
Gronkowski's offseason has been full of uncertainty. There were reports that he had considered retirement and wasn't happy with the culture and atmosphere of the team.
In April, Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com reported that Gronkowski would only remain with the team so long as Tom Brady was at quarterback and that "lingering frustrations remain between Gronkowski and head coach Bill Belichick, along with others in the Patriots organization."
Gronkowski put the retirement talk to bed later in April, writing on Instagram: "I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats. I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run."
A healthy and happy Gronkowski is key for the Patriots. The 29-year-old remains the best tight end in football and one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the NFL. Last season he caught 69 passes for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games.
Staying healthy has been an issue, however. In the past two seasons, Gronk has missed 10 games, likely a factor in any possible reluctance on the Patriots' end to offering him a lucrative extension. Gronkowski is due to make $8 million this upcoming season and $9 million in 2019. He can become a free agent ahead of the 2020 season if he chooses to continue playing beyond this year.
