Tight end Rob Gronkowski is ready to run it back with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, re-signing with the Super Bowl champions on a one-year contract.
The Athletic and NFL Network report that the contract will pay Gronkowski US$8 million and includes the opportunity to earn another US$2 million in incentives.
"In addition to his contributions on the field, 'Gronk' has quickly become one of the most beloved guys in our locker room," says Bucs general manager Jason Licht.
"His ability to perform at a championship-calibre level week after week, while also uplifting everyone around him, makes him an invaluable presence in our building.
"Rob's accomplishments speak for themselves and make him one of the greatest to ever play the game at his position.
"We are thrilled to have him back with us as we pursue another title in Tampa."
Gronkowski, 31, came out of retirement for the 2020 season to reunite with former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in Tampa.
The Buccaneers' title last month gave Brady a record seven Super Bowl titles, while Gronkowski won his fourth.
A four-time All-Pro, Gronkowski produced modest numbers by his standards in the 2020 regular season - 45 catches for 623 yards and seven touchdowns.
In the Buccaneers' first three playoff games, he totalled just two catches for 43 yards, but he was a key contributor in the Super Bowl against Kansas City Chiefs, making six receptions for 67 yards and two TDs in the 31-9 win.
The Brady-Gronkowski connection has accounted for 14 career playoff touchdowns, the top figure for any quarterback/pass-catcher duo in league history.
Selected by New England in the second round of the 2010 draft out of Arizona, Gronkowski, played for the Patriots from 2010-18, compiling 521 catches for 7861 yards and 79 touchdowns.
He topped the 1000-yard receiving mark four times.
Reuters
