Gronkowski is gone, FOR NOW…

Gronkowski is gone, FOR NOW…

             The Patriots star TE announced last week he is retiring from the league. This isn’t surprising as the TE contemplated retirement last season as well. That was later ended with some contract incentives. The same thing could possibly happen again. If week 8 comes, and the Patriots are struggling, look for Brady to give his right-hand man a call. By no means am I saying Gronk will be back, but it is probable. While his health is at stake, he loves the game.  I can see him taking off at least half of the season and returning only when his team needs him.

On the other hand, the Patriots have been here before, it’s just not on their terms this time. When you become a New England Patriot, you become apart of the dynasty without a timeline. The Patriots hardly ever retain players. Look at Chandler Jones, he was playing his best football with the Patriots. They let him go. Same with Malcolm Butler, Danny Amendola, Wes Welker and many more. The Patriots are fine with moving on with or without you.

However, the TE position is big for the Patriots. During Gronk’s career, he caught 521 catches, for 7861 yards and 79 touchdowns. He was Brady’s check down guy on 3rd down. Those time are over. FOR NOW. It’s going to be hard to find a replacement on the same caliber as Gronkowski.

However, the Patriots probably have a plan up their sleeve. Now that they have acquired Bennett from the Eagles, look for them to bring back brother Bennett who played TE for the Patriots bin Gronk’s absence 2 seasons ago. If he doesn’t return look for them to draft a TE within the first three rounds.

Heading into the draft the Patriots need a TE, DL, WR, DB, and OL. Look for them to take care of defense and receivers first. Then grab a TE. While protection for Brady is imminent, that will come late in the draft.

-By: Julius Jefferson