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Gronkowski hoping Bennett 'breaks the bank' in free agency

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One way or another, Martellus Bennett is in line for a major payday.

What remains to be seen is whether that's back in New England, or somewhere else when the free-agent market opens March 9. But Bennett has the support of Patriots teammate and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski regardless.

"I'm hoping he breaks the bank," Gronkowski said at the Daytona 500, according to Drew Davison of The Fort-Worth Star-Telegram. "Whenever you see a tight end break the bank, it's good for the industry. It's good for the position. You want to see the position grow. I want to see him do whatever he's got to do, but I don't make the calls."

Bennett put together one of the most productive seasons of his career upon landing with New England in a trade from the Chicago Bears, recording 55 receptions for 701 yards and seven touchdowns.

Though the Patriots offense has long made perfect use of two-tight-end sets, and having injury insurance for Gronkowski remains necessary, the strong year could end up bumping his price tag into a range beyond what the team is willing to pay.

The 29-year-old will be far and away the most highly coveted tight end on the free-agent market. He should have no shortage of suitors among the teams with plenty of salary-cap space at their disposal.

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