Bucs GM: 'No Idea' If Rob Gronkowski Would Return to NFL After WWE WrestleMania

While there has been speculation that Rob Gronkowski could come out of retirement and join Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, general manager Jason Licht doesn't appear privy to any conversations.

"Well he's doing a pretty good job in Wrestlemania right now. I have no idea if he'd want to play," Licht told Jenna Laine of ESPN.

Gronkowski signed with WWE last month and is the promotion's current 24/7 champion after winning the belt at WrestleMania 36. It's unclear what his deal with the company calls for; Gronkowski was billed as the "host" of the Performance Center-based Mania.

The Patriots retain Gronkowski's rights, so they would have to trade or release him if he were to unretire. It's unclear if New England would have any interest in relinquishing Gronk's rights, nor has the five-time Pro Bowler shown any indication he wants to return.

"I wouldn't say 'never coming back.' I'm 30 years old," Gronkowski told Mike Reiss of ESPN in November. "I'm young. I still stay fit, still watch the game whenever I can, still enjoy it. I'm feeling good, but you know, one year off could possibly be the case. Or maybe two years off, man.

"It's always an option in the back of my head. It's not like I'm not staying in shape and not doing anything. I'm never stressed over it."

The Buccaneers already have a solid tight end depth chart with OJ Howard and Cameron Brate, but a healthy Gronkowski would be an instant upgrade—and likely help Brady's transition to Tampa Bay. Gronkowski played his entire nine-year career with the Patriots, emerging as one of the best tight ends in NFL history. While injuries ground his career to a halt at age 29, a year outside the sport may have been enough to rejuvenate his body for a second act.

If it has, and Brady wants Gronkowski in Tampa, he'll find a way to be a Buccaneer. The Bucs have cashed their chips in on Brady's final seasons, and they need to load up on whatever talent they possibly can for a deep playoff run.

It all comes down to Gronk's desire.