Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is ending his retirement and heading to Tampa to join Tom Brady. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots trade Rob Gronkowski to Buccaneers for fourth-round pick

It appears we haven't yet seen the last in-game connection between six-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady and future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski

Gronkowski, who retired from football after the 2018 season and is currently performing for World Wrestling Entertainment, teased on Monday's edition of "Watch What Happens Live" that he might not be completely finished with his NFL career. 

Tuesday afternoon, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the former New England Patriots teammates will soon share a locker room once again, pending a physical, of course: 

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports added: 

As Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston explained, Gronkowski refused a trade to the Detroit Lions ahead of what was, before today, thought to be his last NFL season. 

"It happened," Gronk told reporters about the potential deal in September 2018. "Brady's my quarterback. I'm not going anywhere without Brady." 

Brady and the Patriots parted ways following the 2019 campaign, and he put pen to paper on a deal with the Bucs in March. 

On Tuesday, James Rapien of Sports Illustrated presented a possible transaction that could benefit all parties involved: 

Would that have been a better deal for all parties involved?

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Knicks get even more bad injury news ahead of Game 3
Frank Vogel fell victim to a Suns ownership group eager to win
2008 Celtics champion sentenced to prison despite emotional plea
Skip Bayless makes huge Tom Brady prediction after Netflix roast
14-year-old phenom signs unprecedented MLS deal that includes future Man City transfer
Pacers coach claims officials are biased against 'small market' teams
Hall of Famer makes bold prediction about Russell Wilson, Steelers
49ers Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies
Rams make surprising move with former team captain
NBA announces discipline for Bucks' Patrick Beverley
Hall of Fame RB defends Najee Harris after Steelers decline fifth-year option
Pacers file shocking number of questionable calls after Game 2 loss vs. Knicks
Former NBA star says Anthony Edwards becomes face of the NBA if Wolves knock off Nuggets
Hornets hire top Celtics assistant as next head coach
Maple Leafs fire HC Sheldon Keefe after another early playoff exit
Super Bowl champion discusses why Russell Wilson failed with Broncos
Colts LB Zaire Franklin calls out Texans, C.J. Stroud
Angels to acquire longtime Mets infielder from Braves
Giants sign former Pro Bowl wide receiver
Report reveals why the NBA did not suspend Jamal Murray