Rob Gronkowski plans to return to Bucs next season

Gronk is not ready to hang up his cleats again, and he'd like to stay with his buddy TB12 in Tampa Bay. Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Rob Gronkowski says he plans to return to Buccaneers next season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 1/17/21

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski said he wants to wait before making any decisions regarding his future. However, the 31-year-old certainly makes it sound like he will run it back with Tom Brady in 2021.

Gronkowski was asked in an interview with Willie McGinest if he would come back for a second season in Tampa Bay, to which he replied: "Yeah, you got to."

“I’ve been playing football in the NFL for 10 years and I’ve been in the playoffs all 10 years. That’s what’s up.” @RobGronkowski sat down with @WillieMcGinest ahead of the @Buccaneers Divisional Round showdown.

: @NFLGameDay Morning pic.twitter.com/IKXM6u7ko8
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 17, 2021

Gronkowski will become an unrestricted free agent in March, but it doesn't sound like he wants to play anywhere else but Tampa Bay. He came out of retirement to play with Brady and the Buccaneers and probably wouldn't have done so if TB12 remained with the New England Patriots.

In 16 regular-season games, Gronkowski had 45 catches for 623 yards and seven touchdowns. He had a slow start to the year, but that was to be expected after coming out of retirement.

So, whether the Buccaneers win or lose to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday night, it certainly sounds like Gronkowski is ready to return for his 11th NFL season.

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