Rob Gronkowski unsure of return to Buccaneers

Rob Gronkowski is undecided on returning for another NFL season in 2022, according to his agent.

Drew Rosenhaus said Thursday that Gronkowski “needs some time” to decide on his future, adding that the tight end is deeply conflicted on playing next year.

#Buccaneers free-agent TE Rob Gronkowski is deeply conflicted on whether he’s going to return for another year, according to agent @DrewJRosenhaus

“I talked to Tampa yesterday and I told them that he’s still undecided, he needs some time to figure out whether he wants to play." pic.twitter.com/T46CtnCJFR

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 24, 2022

Not that long ago, Gronkowski seemingly signaled that he was likely to return to the Buccaneers. Maybe that’s still true, but he needs time to get there mentally. Tom Brady’s decision to return after his brief retirement may have complicated Gronkowski’s decision-making process as well.

Gronkowski can certainly still play, as he tallied 802 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2021. Whether or not the 32-year-old feels physically and mentally up to it is a different question that he has yet to answer.

Photo: Nov 15, 2020; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the sidelines in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports