Patriots reportedly working on new deal for criminally underpaid Rob Gronkowski
Gronk could deservedly be getting some more cash soon
Back in March the Patriots made the no-brainer decision to pick up the $10 million option bonus for tight end Rob Gronkowski. The bonus means Gronk is locked down contractually through 2019 and there's a very distinct possibility he's not thrilled about his current payscale.
So it makes sense that, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Pats and the tight end would be working on a new contract but "nothing [is] imminent."
The tight end originally inked his deal with the Patriots in 2012, somewhat of a leap of faith by the team on a player who dealt with injuries and had two years remaining on his rookie deal. Now it might be the best contract in football: Gronk is handsomely paid in a vacuum, but his deal relative to other tight end contracts makes him a steal.
Gronk makes less than Jimmy Graham, Travis Kelce, Jordan Reed and Julius Thomas on an annual basis and isn't looking at any more guaranteed money on his deal.
You can't blame him for being full of thoughts about his contractual status.
If ya think about it that Option pick up basically equals pay cut the next 4 seasons...🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔 I don't work hard for those reasons. Haha 🏋🏼🏈
— Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) March 8, 2016
It probably doesn't help that the option the Patriots picked up essentially equaled a pay cut for Gronk heading into 2016. He was making $4.75 million in base salary in 2015, but will only make $2.25 million this coming year.
The Patriots likely understand his frustration and are willing to work with their most-important player (non Tom Brady division) in order to ensure he's excited about continuing to play at a high level moving forward.
There were concerns about Gronkowski's long-term health after a 2013 season that saw him play just seven games, not to mention complications in terms of recovery from myriad injuries. But Gronk has been flat dominant the last two years, averaging 77 catches, 1,150 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2014 and 2015.
He's the best tight end in football. It's hard to blame him for wanting to be paid like it too.
















