The Patriots engaged in trade talks surrounding Rob Gronkowski during the offseason according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, but the tight end "strongly resisted" leaving New England.
Per Rapoport, New England had a number of interested suitors for Gronkowski. But the four-time All-Pro reportedly said he would rather retire than play for another franchise or quarterback.
Gronkowski's plea to stay in New England marked a different tone than his stance during the offseason. He remained non-commital about his football future, saying in February, "we’ll sit down in the next couple of weeks and see where I’m at.