The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had several conversations with retired tight end Rob Gronkowski around Thanksgiving about him possibly reuniting with quarterback Tom Brady to help the struggling squad secure a playoff berth.
Gronkowski told the Bucs he had been working out. He and the club discussed several options, including signing the 33-year-old to the practice squad to give him a couple weeks to get back into football shape, although they were willing to add him to the active roster.
In the end, Gronkowski decided to remain retired for now.
#Bucs coach Todd Bowles told @NFLSTROUD that Rob Gronkowski contacted the team over the last month or so about a possible return. “Usually, when you have to think about playing, you probably don’t want to play.” Gronk decided to stay retired.
Story here: https://t.co/frfQYmHlSc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2022
TE Rob Gronkowski contacted the #Bucs about coming out of retirement to sign with the team, via @NFLSTROUD
Bucs had several conversations with Gronkowski around Thanksgiving and Gronk told the Bucs he had been working out. Ultimately, he remains retired.https://t.co/x0hW7HMOUM pic.twitter.com/wNyyHNOcIv
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 23, 2022