Right after the Bucs landed legendary quarterback Tom Brady in free agency in 2020, Brady’s first call was to long-time teammate Rob Gronkowski. Brady convinced the future Hall of Fame tight end to come out of retirement and join him in Tampa Bay. General manager Jason Licht executed a trade for Gronkowski, and he and Brady helped the Bucs win Super Bowl LV nearly a year later.

So with Brady’s retirement, does Licht suspect that Gronkowski’s playing days in Tampa Bay are over, too? Gronkowski, who turns 33 in May, is a free agent in 2022 after signing a one-year, $8 million contract.

“No, I don’t suspect that,” Licht said. “I think that’s yet to be seen. I’ve given Rob the respect to give him some time to see how he feels here in the coming weeks after a long, grueling season. Especially when you play in the league for 11 years. You need a little time to think things through – to see if you want to go through it another year. From my conversation with Rob, he just needs that.”

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR

Gronkowski played nine years with Brady in New England, winning three Super Bowls together before winning another one in Tampa Bay. In two seasons with the Bucs, Gronkowski caught 100 passes for 1,425 yards (14.3 avg.) and 13 touchdowns.

“I don’t think it’s going to be dependent on whether Tom came back or not from what I understand,” Licht said. “I know that Rob had an incredible experience here as well. He was a big factor in us having the success that we did. We would welcome Rob back with open arms. But we’re giving him the space right now to decide what he wants to do.”

In 2020, Gronkowski hauled in 45 catches for 623 yards (13.8 avg.) and seven touchdowns. He added two more TDs in Super Bowl LV. This past season, Gronkowski had 55 catches for 802 yards (14.6 avg.) and six TDs despite missing five games due to fractured ribs and a punctured lung. He also set the NFL record for the most 100-yard games by a tight end (32) with three 100-yard games.

Licht added that he didn’t think that Brady’s retirement would cause an exodus of players leaving in free agency. The Bucs feel good about their core nucleus of talented players with a franchise-record nine Pro Bowlers in 2021.

“I know that our players love playing here,” Licht said. “They love playing for this coaching staff, they love this fan base, and they love this town. I would say that the core of our players is what attracted Tom Brady to come to Tampa. Tom chose us. I think that will help with other players make their decision to come to Tampa as well because we have a lot of very good players and an unbelievable coaching staff.”