Rob Gronkowski ‘pretty certain’ he’ll continue his NFL career with Patriots

The New England Patriots seemingly in the midst of a transition phase. The team is coming off a disappointing loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52 and a few changes have been made with some important players and the defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, not returning for the 2018 campaign.

Among the questions heading into the NFL offseason was the future of All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski. The veteran tight end is still at the top of his game, but there have been rumors he has been considering retirement to pursue an acting career. It appears the Patriots star might not be going in that direction, according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington.

Sources say Gronkowski still hasn’t made a decision. But despite serious considerations since the end of the season of retiring because of physical and mental fatigue, sources say Gronkowski is “pretty certain” he’ll come back as long as Tom Brady remains with the team.

Although this will make some breathe a sigh of relief in New England, Gronkowski hasn’t publicly said anything yet about his immediate future in the NFL. In fact, another rumor recently surfaced about Gronkowski potentially being traded by the Patriots which makes this situation all the more fascinating as that might’ve been the reason for his upcoming decision on his playing career.

Nevertheless, this situation is ongoing with no telling whether the team will have arguably the league’s best tight end back on the field for the 2018 NFL season. Without Gronkowski returning, the Patriots could be a much different team as Tom Brady will have to find another go-to target in the endzone.

Also, the team’s odds of winning it all next season could take a sizable hit if Gronkowski does decide to leave.