Rob Gronkowski reportedly in no rush to return to Patriots, enjoying offseason

Over the weekend, Rob Gronkowski seemingly gave his strongest hint of the offseason that he is planning to play football in 2018. That does not mean he is in any rush to resume working out with the New England Patriots, however.

Gronkowski was at Gillette Stadium on Saturday to announce a partnership with Monster Energy Supercross. He managed to dodge most questions from reporters about his playing future, but he may have tipped his hand when asked specifically if he has any message for fans who want answers.

“They’re going to see a freak-a-leek when I come back,” Gronk joked. “That’s what.”

A reporter then followed up by asking if that means Gronk will play next season, and he only said “oh, maybe.”

Given all we have heard, it would be pretty shocking if Gronkowski doesn’t return. Still, there could be truth to the reports that the business-like atmosphere surrounding the Patriots is starting to weigh on him. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Gronk is currently content “having fun and generally just taking a little extra time away.”

But here’s the new one. Gronk has told members of his inner circle that he has stayed away from the voluntary portion of the offseason workout program because he is happy living life, having fun and generally just taking a little extra time away to do his own thing, according to a source. The chance to mess around during the Foxboro Supercross stop was just one example of that.

Though all signs indicate Gronkowski will return in 2018, it doesn’t sound like he has determined when he’ll officially report to Gillette Stadium, according to a source. In fact, Gronk isn’t even worried about it at the moment. It was a mentally taxing season for him in 2017, more so than usual, so he has taken extra time to decompress this offseason.

Gronkowski’s explanation for why he isn’t attending voluntary workouts seemed like a joke, but maybe he was telling the truth. If he wants a raise and is sick of Bill Belichick breathing down his neck and telling him how to train, he may wait until well into the offseason to officially announce his intentions.