Weeks after Super Bowl LII, the New England Patriots are still waiting for tight end Rob Gronkowski to make a decision on whether to play or retire. There is also a possibility that Gronkowski might join the WWE. Gronkowski hinted at retirement following the Patriots’ 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. After that, reports surfaced that the WWE was interested in taking in Gronkowski as one of its main attractions. However, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that the wrestling organization will not make the first move.
In an appearance on WEEI’s “Dale & Holley with Keefe," Meltzer said Gronkowski himself must make the call to WWE to make things happen.
Also, the WWE will not entice Gronkowski to leave his NFL career. Instead, the organization will wait until the tight end retires before it expresses interest in him. “They are not going to spend $10 million a year on him. But, if he’s done with football, are they interested in him? Yeah, it is pretty clear they are,” said Meltzer. While there were reports that the WWE is willing to give Gronkowski the same contract it gave to former UFC star Ronda Rousey, Meltzer said there’s still many variables at play because the tight end will not make 200 appearances a year.
According to Meltzer, the 28-year-old Gronkowski might get a part-time job with the WWE and make $2 million.
Patriots need to know Gronkowski’s decision soon
According to Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com, Gronkowski should make a decision on his future so the Patriots can prepare. Hannable said the Patriots’ offseason moves will depend on Gronkowski’s decision.
If Gronkowski wants to return, the Patriots might rework his current contract that gives him base salaries of $8 million in 2018 and $9 million in 2019. Hannable said the Patriots should know Gronkowski’s move before free agency kicks off in mid-March. If Gronkowski decides to retire, the Patriots might keep Dwayne Allen to give the position some stability.
The Patriots could also go after a big-name free agent that could fill the void left by Gronkowski.
Patriots could go after Jimmy Graham?
There is a possibility that the Patriots might go after free-agent tight end Jimmy Graham in case Gronkowski retires. According to former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson, Graham’s career will reach another level if he joins the Patriots and plays alongside future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. Last season, Graham caught 57 catches for 520 yards and 10 touchdowns. In his career, Graham has 69 touchdowns in eight seasons with the New Orleans Saints and the Seattle Seahawks.
