New England Patriots, Rob Gronkowski restructure deal for 2017 season
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will enter the 2017 season with a chance to become the highest paid tight end in the NFL.
A healthy Rob Gronkowski could turn into a very rich Rob Gronkowski at the end of the 2017 season. As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter Tuesday, the New England Patriots and Gronkowski have restructured his deal for this upcoming season.
The new incentive-heavy deal will give the dynamic playmaker a chance to become the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.
How much could Gronkowski make this season?
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According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, the new deal will give Tom Brady’s most dangerous weapon a chance to up his salary this year from $5.25 million to $10.75 million. The new incentives are obtainable for Gronkowksi, but also protects the team’s pocket if another injury takes him off the field.
Obtainable incentives
At the top of those new incentives includes the $10.75 million if he reaches either 90 percent playing time, 80 catches, 1,200 receiving yards or an All-Pro recognition.
With Gronkowski’s injury history over the past few years, the 90 percent playing time is the tougher of those goals. He has reached the other goals with less playing time.
The two other tiers included in the incentives will play Gronkowski a little less based on his overall playing time and statistics. The lowest tier will earn him $6.75 million. That will involve 70 percent playing time, 60 receptions, 800 receiving yards or 10 TDs.
Related Story: Rob Gronkowski News: Patriots Tight End Anxious to Return to Field
Again, these are all obtainable goals if Rob Gronkowski comes back healthy and plays through the season. The restructured deal could also be a precursor to a longer deal with the New England Patriots down the road.
Overall, it is good to see Gronk getting the kind of top money he deserves…if he stays on the field.
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Rob Gronkowski is coming off his third-career back surgery and a shortened season in which he broke the team’s all-time receiving touchdown record.