Still no clarity with respect to Rob Gronkowski.
The NFL's best tight end (currently under contract with New England through the 2019 season) still hasn't addressed his football future since hinting at retirement immediately following Super Bowl LII.
When reached by the Boston Herald yesterday, Gronk's agent responded, "We're not going to talk about that. That's personal."
Actually, if he were to call it a career, it would be a major business decision, both for the player and the Patriots. But it seems that might not happen for a while, according to NFL Network.
https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/968927067864817666
"He did ponder retirement. He did discuss possibly moving to another venue, WWE for one, maybe Hollywood, but the belief now is those things will come after his football career," the reporter added.
Later yesterday, however, a cryptic tweet from Gronk seemed to cast more doubt on the situation.
https://twitter.com/RobGronkowski/status/968975629373857792
It's unclear, of course, to whom or what Gronkowski was referring in that post. Nevertheless, a WEEI.com column declares thatthings remain complicated between Gronk and the Patriots.
"As of now, Gronkowski will be the fourth-highest paid tight end in the NFL next season and that's probably unfair to him. The Patriots should go to Gronkowski with a new contract and make him happy. He's earned it," the author proclaims, adding, "Another thing to consider is if things really are that bad between Gronkowski and the Patriots, a trade could potentially be on the table."
Meanwhile, free agency begins this month, and according to a* Herald* report, at least one of a couple of high-profile cornerbacks could eventually find their way to Foxborough.
"For now, Richard Sherman is a Seahawk and Aqib Talib is a Bronco… But there's an understanding in league circles that both could become available at some point this offseason," the story indicates. "Last offseason the Pats did call the Seahawks about Sherman… [who] was receptive to the idea of joining the Patriots then and still is now… Talib would be receptive to the idea of rejoining the Patriots, according to a source."
On offense, left tackle Nate Solder has anchored New England's o-line for several years, and could now find a favorable market for his services, according to an ESPN blog post.
"The top of the current market for offensive tackles is slightly more than $13 million per season, which Solder could potentially command on the open market if he's open to signing elsewhere," posits the scribe.
If you're looking for something to get your blood boiling, this* Boston Globe* opinion piece might do the trick. The author writes that New England’s dynastic days are dwindling fast.
On a positive note, the NFL Scouting Combine is officially underway in Indianapolis. While every major news outlet that covers football is on location, the best place for Patriots-specific coverage of the event is right here on patriots.com. You're welcome.
