Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady speak at midfield after beating the Kansas City Chiefs last October in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots have reportedly agreed to trade Gronkowski, who retired after the 2018 season, to Tampa Bay so he can reunite with Brady. AP Photo/Michael Dwyer

The New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed on a deal that will send retired tight end Rob Gronkowski to Tampa Bay to play with Tom Brady, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Per Schefter, the only remaining obstacle to the proposed deal is a physical for Gronkowski. The Patriots will acquire a fourth-round pick from the Buccaneers in exchange for Gronkowski and a seventh-round pick.

Tom Brady agreed to a two-year deal worth $25 million – fully guaranteed – with the Buccaneers in March.

Gronkowski reportedly has been gaining weight to prepare for a return and wants to continue playing with his good friend. The Patriots still hold his rights, necessitating the trade.

Gronkowski sat out the 2019 NFL season after announcing his retirement last March. Since walking away from the NFL, Gronkowski worked as a CBD spokesman and as a wrestler for the WWE. He never ruled out a return to the NFL, however, raising many eyebrows around the league.

Setting aside four games during 2016, Brady is the only quarterback with whom Gronkowski has played during his career.


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