The most dominant NFL (and fantasy) tight end called it a career at age 29 over the weekend, and although the actual act of Rob Gronkowski’s retirement was not surprising, the timing was sort of surprising. We all know what Gronk brought to both the Patriots and your respective fantasy squads over his nine dominant seasons, as he Gronk Spiked the ball 79 times throughout his 115 career games — highlighted by an absurd 90 reception, 1,327 yard and 17 touchdown campaign in 2011. No one can blame the big fella for walking away at age 29. He left it all out of the field and went under the knife way too many times. However, from a Patriots standpoint, he sort of left them out to dry with his late announcement.
By waiting until March 24th to retire, he locked up $9.214 million in cap space throughout free agency, which could have been used for Jared Cook, Adam Humphries, Cole Beasley or Golden Tate. Although the team has a shitload of picks, Belichick has never used a first rounder on a receiver and the two “can’t miss” tight ends from Iowa will likely be gone by 32. There are a handful of tight ends who will likely be there at 32, highlighted by Irv Smith.
Yet, will the Patriots really enter the season with Julian Edelman, Bruce Ellington, Maurice Harris, Phillip Dorsett and a couple of rookies? Only time will tell, because we all know Belichick will definitely be making trade calls as the offseason continues.
