New England Patriots Rumors: Rob Gronkowski comeback at 40 percent

As long as the New England Patriots have question marks at the tight end position, there will be rumblings about a possible Rob Gronkowski return.

It seems the greatest thrill Rob Gronkowski has besides playing football is playing on the emotions of New England Patriots fans.

Yes, the most dominant tight end in Patriots history has told us a couple of times that he has no intention of coming out of retirement at some point in the 2019 NFL season, but there is something within his smirk and body language that suggests otherwise.

Like former NFL greats like Barry Sanders and Charles Johnson aka Megatron, Rob Gronkowski is one of those unique talents who have left the game too soon in the opinion of most.  Although injuries have taken a toll on his body, an average Gronk is still better than most tight ends around the league, especially what the Patriots currently have on their roster.

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Aside from turning it up in Hollywood, why wouldn’t the All-Pro playmaker get an itch and return somewhere around mid-season?

While he still publicly refrains from the possibility of a comeback, there are some social media blips that prove otherwise.  Well, at least the New England Patriots fans in us hope so.

First there was the ESPYS where Gronkowski was overheard telling New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees that he was “coming back.” That could’ve meant anything as the entire conversation wasn’t heard, but what else could he be talking about.

Then, there was this Instagram post:

Of course, the meaning and timing of this post has added fuel to the speculation.  It could mean a new beginning following retirement or that comeback sometime in late November that fans are hoping for.

There’s always a chance

Just like last summer when Rob Gronkowski posted cryptic tweets and Instagram posts, only he knows his true intentions.  But it has become apparent that he can’t just “vroom, vroom” into the sunset without teasing fans and the media who are thirsty to know what’s going on in that mind of his.

Add to all of this that he has been working out with Tom Brady and it makes a recent report from Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio carry a lot of weight.

In the report, Florio writes:

"“A source close to Gronkowski pegs his potential for a first annual unretirement at 40 percent.For now, Gronk isn’t thinking about football.  He’s enjoying his life, he doesn’t need the money, and he’s having a blast.  The question becomes whether Gronkowski misses his teammates and/or the games after August becomes September.  While he won’t miss dealing with training camp and the preseason, he could miss the game once they start playing games that count.”"

Florio went on to talk about the Tom Brady factor.  If the 41-year-old quarterback needs a playmaker and directly pleads to Rob Gronkowski, then that 40 percent may increase to more of a guarantee return.

So, whether he is just being a big tease or not, the idea of a fresh Rob Gronkowski joining the New England Patriots just as the meat of the season begins is intriguing.  That would be the ultimate weapon to have in their back pocket.

With what they haven’t done at the tight end position via free agency and obviously the draft, it does look like Bill Belichick and the defending Super Bowl champions have left that door open.

In all, it looks like the teasing is only at the beginning.