If the New England Patroits decide to part ways with longtime tight end Rob Gronkowski, here’s why the Detroit Lions could be a possible landing spot.
The Detroit Lions moved on from their starting tight end earlier this month. Could that open a door for a possible trade for New England Patroits’ great Rob Gronkowski?
Ever since the Lions drafted North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron 10th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, Detroit fans have hoped the underperforming first rounder would blossom into an All-Pro.
Instead, Ebron was a draft bust who would progress just enough to earn himself another season. That ended a couple weeks ago when the Lions outright released the 24-year old after failed attempts to trade him away. Ebron quickly signed a two-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts which could be worth up to $15 million.
When the Lions drafted Ebron, they likely hoped he’d be the next “Gronk”. It appears that Detroit might have an opportunity to replace the fake Gronkowski with the real one. According to a report by Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard, Gronk’s indecision about a possible retirement at the age of 28 could lead the Patroits to opt to move on.
If so, the five-time Pro Bowler, two-time Super Bowl winner and future first ballot Hall of Famer might be on the trading block soon. And the Lions seem like a logical landing spot for two main reasons.
One, the Lions need a starting tight end who is a reliable receiver. Detroit inked free agent Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo recently. But both are seen as better blocking tight ends than pass catchers. And the Lions’ 2017 fourth round selection, tight end Michael Roberts, was suspended for the final game of his rookie season after oversleeping and missing team meetings. Gronk would be the perfect veteran addition for a high-powered offense that likes to air it out with quarterback Matthew Stafford under center.
Two, the Lions have many ties to the Patroits that Gronkowski may find appealing. From general manager Bob Quinn, to head coach Matt Patricia and newly signed running back LeGarrette Blount; Gronk would play with many familiar faces in Detroit. And it was those prior New England relationships that directly led to the hiring of both Patricia and Blount recently. Why not Gronk too?
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As of now, it doesn’t appear the New England Patroits are shopping the eight-year veteran who posted 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns last season. But if the Pats do decide to move on, the Detroit Lions could certainly be a potential landing spot for Rob Gronkowski.