Patriots, Rob Gronkowski agree to a restructured contract

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Patriots and tight end Rob Gronkowski have agreed to a restructured contract for the 2017 season.

His current salary of $5.25 million has the chance to increase to $10.75 million with the new deal. If all the incentives are met, it would make Gronkowski the highest paid tight end in the NFL.

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Currently, Gronkowski is one of the best bargains for any team, despite his penchant for not completing a season. When he is on the field, Gronkowski is the most dominating force on offense in the NFL. In order to maximize the contract, Gronk would have to hit one of four incentives; 90 percent playing time, 80 catches, 1200 yards, or an All-Pro selection.

Gronkowski has been an All-Pro four times in his career. He has reached the 80-catch mark twice and surpassed 1200 yards once. However, there are two other tiers of the contract that would allow Gronkowski to earn a lesser extension.

Tier 2: $8.75 million (must hit one-of-four incentives)
80 percent playing time
70 catches
1000 yards receiving
12 touchdowns

Tier 3: $6.75 million (must hit one-of-four incentives)
70 percent playing time
60 receptions
800 receiving yards
10 touchdowns

Playing in only eight games last season, Gronkowski amassed 525 yards and three touchdowns. He had 25 receptions on 38 targets. The 6-foot-6 tight end hasn’t appeared in 16 games since his monstrous sophomore season in 2011. That year saw him haul in 17 touchdowns on 90 receptions and 1327 yards. All career highs for Gronkowski.

Robert Kraft will gladly make Gronkowski the highest paid tight end in the NFL because assuming he hits any one of those four incentives, it means a likely return trip to the super bowl for the Patriots. Much fanfare has been given to the arrival of Brandin Cooks, but Gronkowski’s return will have as much if not more of an impact on the Patriots. Last year, the Patriots proved that they could win without Gronkowski. Now, they have a chance to once again prove what they can do with the most dominating force in the NFL.

– Ian Glendon is the Managing Editor for cover32/Patriots and covers the NFL and New England Patriots. Like and follow on Follow @iglen31 Follow @cover32_NE and Facebook.

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