Rob Gronkowski: Buccaneers offense can get even better in 2021

Four-time All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski briefly flirted with free agency but ultimately agreed to a one-year, $10 million contract to remain with the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers for another season and once again play alongside seven-time champion quarterback Tom Brady, wide receiver Chris Godwin, and other teammates. 

The Buccaneers officially announced Gronkowski's return on Monday, and the 31-year-old suggested Tampa Bay's offense will be an improved overall unit this coming fall. 

"I definitely do think we can be better on the offensive side of the ball," Gronkowski explained, per Buccaneers senior writer Scott Smith. "With so many players coming back, another offseason under our belt, another training camp under our belt, we can definitely continue where we left off." 

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered preparations last summer, and the NFL and NFL Players Association agreed to cancel all preseason games to prevent virus outbreaks ahead of Week 1. However, Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio wrote this past Thursday that the NFL intends to keep three preseason contests on the schedule as it expands to a 17-game regular season for 2021. 

Gronkowski recorded 45 receptions for 623 yards and seven touchdowns during his first regular season with the Bucs and then found the end zone twice in the Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.