The Facts: No one, not even Gronkowski, seems certain whether Gronk will return for a 12th NFL season. The uncertainty prompted the Buccaneers to draft tight end Cade Otton at the top of the fourth round to join Cameron Brate on the depth chart, while still leaving the light on for Gronkowski. He reiterated to TMZ Sports last week that it’s the Bucs or retirement. “It’s just the Bucs,” Gronkowski said. “Love that organization, man. Love the guys there. It’s family over there.”
Diehards Line:Gronkowski, who turns 33 this month, seemingly had a lot of fun during draft weekend. He was everywhere. But he has worked out at the team facility this offseason despite being unsigned. While promoting the “Kids Choice Awards” on Nickelodeon, which he will co-host, Gronkowski told Jaclyn Hendricks of the New York Post that it wouldn’t take him long to be NFL-ready. “I feel like I can get ready at any time for football, like it’ll take me two weeks only, so, I’m not really worried about it,” Gronkowski said. “It’s just cool just to be doing other things and enjoying them. ...” Tom Brady usually gets what Tom Brady wants, and the quarterback surely wants Gronkowski on his team for what could be a last run. Gronkowski caught 55 passes for 802 yards with six touchdowns in 2021, playing in 12 games.