Report: Patriots, Gronkowski working on new deal

One of the NFL's most dominant playmakers could soon be the recipient of a monster contract.

Just a few days into training camp, tight end Rob Gronkowski's agents are on hand to discuss a new deal with the New England Patriots, a source told Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Gronkowski is just two seasons into the six-year extension that was tacked onto the end of his rookie deal back in 2012. Only having continued to play at an historically high level, though, Gronkowski has established a value far beyond his current $9-million annual average.

Any negotiations with Gronkowski and his representation can, at the very least, be expected to start in a range that makes him the NFL's highest paid tight end.

Jimmy Graham currently owns that title at a clip of $10 million per year, so it'd be fair to assume Gronk has all the leverage necessary to shatter that number.

The former second-round pick has been an unstoppable force through his first six seasons, racking up 380 receptions for 5,555 yards and 65 touchdowns despite missing time with multiple injuries.

Continuing at a level anywhere near his current pace could conceivably have him in position to challenge Tony Gonzalez's all-time tight end record of 111 touchdowns by the latter stages of his career.