Rick Osentoski/Associated Press
The last time Rob Gronkowski's name was floated during trade talks in 2018, the All-Pro tight end said he began considering retirement. On Thursday, as new talks reportedly resulted in the New England Patriots sending Gronkowski to Tampa Bay, he apparently was eager to sign reinstatement papers.
A lot can happen in two years. Especially when quarterback Tom Brady is at the center of things.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, in 2018, the Patriots were in discussions to send Gronk to the Detroit Lions when his unwillingness to play anywhere but New England helped nix the deal.