A new explanation has emerged for Rob Gronkowski’s noncommittal offseason: Money.
According to ESPN, Gronkowski will not attend the Patriots’ voluntary offseason workout program this week, as the Pro-Bowl tight end continues to privately mull his future with the team. The news Sunday came amid reports of recent tension between Gronkowski and the Patriots, particularly coach Bill Belichick.
However, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported Monday that the 28-year-old’s absence at this point is about his contract, which signals an interest in returning to the Patriots this season. According to Howe’s source, Gronkowski has been interested in reworking his contract since the team’s Super Bowl loss — even if money wasn’t the reason behind his initial murky comments about possibly retiring.