Rob Gronkowski is coming to the end of his contract, raising the question of whether he will receive an extension or retire in the 2021 NFL offseason. Let’s take a look back at Rob Gronkowski’s contract, his performances, and whether the Buccaneers will look at a contract extension — or if Gronkowski will retire.
Rob Gronkowski has played 10 years in the NFL
After being drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, Gronkowski signed a four-year, $4.44 million contract. Gronkowski played all 32 games in his first two seasons before signing a six-year contract extension with the New England Patriots.
Gronkowski had a fantastic start to his career before injuries caused issues
The Patriots’ tight end had an explosive start to his career. In those first two seasons, he pulled in 132 receptions on 183 targets. He racked up 1,873 yards at 14.19 yards per reception and 27 touchdowns.
After signing his contract extension, Rob Gronkowski began to have trouble with injuries. In 2012, Gronkowski managed just 11 games before getting through seven in 2013. He bounced back in 2014 and 2015 with 15 games in each season. He then struggled with injuries throughout the rest of his career before retiring after the 2018 season.
Gronkowski returned in 2020 when the Patriots traded him to the Buccaneers
After Tom Brady signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was not long until Gronkowski followed. When Rob Gronkowski retired, he had one year remaining on his contract extension in New England. That deal remained in operation in 2020. The Buccaneers paid Gronkowski $9 million in base salary in 2020. He earned a further $250,000 in the form of a workout bonus and $750,000 in roster bonuses (per game). All told, Gronkowski earned $10 million in 2020 with the Buccaneers.
His performances with Tampa Bay were not as good as some of his early career numbers. However, he caught 45 of his 77 targets for 623 yards and 7 touchdowns. His 58.4 percent catch rate may have been the lowest of his career, but with Brady under center, Gronkowski will likely play in Tampa Bay in 2021 if he decides to continue his NFL career.
Will the Buccaneers give Rob Gronkowski a contract extension?
Rob Gronkowski’s previous contract extension was an NFL history-making deal at the time. If he remains with Tampa Bay, his performance in 2020 means he will come at a discount compared to the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL in 2021.
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Entering the 2021 NFL offseason, the Buccaneers have $25 million in cap space with 31 players under contract. Therefore, they are likely going to look to bring Gronkowski back at a value lower than his $10 million cap number in 2020.
What could we see a contract extension for Rob Gronkowski look like?
The Buccaneers have a few options with Gronkowski. We likely see Gronkowski committing to just one more year. The question will be about how much of a pay cut he is willing to take. If he asks for a similar amount of money, the Buccaneers may have to be smart about how they structure the deal.
Signing Rob Gronkowski to a contract that spans three years, but voids after the first season would be an option. An example of a potential structure would be to give Gronkowski a $9 million signing bonus and then the veteran minimum in salary. Gronkowski’s signing bonus would then prorate across three seasons at $3 million per year. Therefore, in 2021, Gronkowski would carry a cap number of just over $4 million. He would then count $3 million in 2022 and 2023.
With the Buccaneers currently projected to have over $150 million in cap space in 2022, $3 million would be a relatively minor issue.
Will Rob Gronkowski get a contract extension or retire in 2021?
Gronkowski stated his intention to play on NFL Network ahead of the Divisional Round. However, if the Buccaneers can not agree to an extension with Rob Gronkowski and his agent Drew Rosenhaus, we could see Gronkowski decide to retire. His return in 2020 was predicated around playing with Tom Brady. Therefore, if that is not an option, it would be surprising to see him go anywhere else.
With 2020 being the final year of his deal, retirement does not affect the Buccaneers’ cap space. Gronkowski would leave behind no dead money on the Buccaneers’ cap in 2021.
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