Even if it was for a short time, Bucs fans enjoyed seeing tight end Rob Gronkowski in Tampa Bay doing his iconic touchdown spike.

Could it be happening again?

In a surprising development on Tuesday afternoon, it was reported by DenverSports.com’s Cecil Lammey that Gronkowski is considering a return to the NFL.

Although he is nearing 36 years of age, could he once again don the red and pewter, this time with quarterback Baker Mayfield throwing the ball his way?

What Would Rob Gronkowski Have Left In The Tank?

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski and QB Tom Brady – Photo by: USA Today

It’s unlikely to happen, but also fun to think about what Rob Gronkowski returning to the Bucs would add to the offense.

Gronkowski is a future Hall of Fame tight end, but he is also three full years removed from his last season in the NFL back in 2021. In a two-year stint in Tampa Bay, he remained productive, hauling in 100 receptions for 1,425 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 28 games.

Across his 11-year playing career, he put together one of the best resumes for a tight end in league history, with 621 receptions, 9,286 receiving yards, and 92 touchdowns.

Reuniting with Tom Brady after being traded to the Bucs for a fourth-round pick, the iconic duo picked up where they left off from their days with the Patriots and he played a critical part in the team’s 2020 Super Bowl victory, connecting on six passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

Injuries led to him first hanging up his cleats after the 2018 season, but he came out of retirement once before for an ideal situation joining a Super Bowl-contending team led by Brady. Would he view the 2025 Bucs entering a similar window?

Led by Baker Mayfield, it is a completely different and transformed offense than the one Gronkowski played with. Wide receiver Mike Evans and left tackle Tristan Wirfs are the only starters remaining under contract, while wide receiver Chris Godwin’s future is still being evaluated by general manager Jason Licht.

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Interestingly enough, one player from the 2020 Super Bowl-winning squad already came out of retirement as outside linebacker Shaq Barrett made a late-season cameo in 2024. Licht never closed the door on Barrett’s return, and “Gronk” would likely be viewed similarly, although the fit is more questionable.

He would add an established offensive presence at this point, even if it just playing a 1B to Cade Otton’s 1A on a limited snap count. Young tight ends Payne Durham and Devin Culp showed signs of promise down the stretch, but there is no question that the four-time Super Bowl Champion would bring a different dynamic to the tight end room.

What kind of condition he is in to play after so much time off is the biggest question mark, but he still resides in the Tampa Bay area. If Rob Gronkowski has a strong enough itch to get back on the playing field, there would be few better situations than making the short drive to Raymond James Stadium.

While Cecil Lammey connected the dots to the Broncos after head coach Sean Payton briefly worked with Gronkowski at Fox, the future Hall of Famer’s strongest current NFL connections are with the Bucs.