Gronk dismisses trade rumors: 'Shows how much fake news is out there'

Rob Gronkowski quashed rumors of a potential trade away from the New England Patriots on Saturday.

"Just shows how much fake news is out there," the star tight end told WBZ-TV's Lisa Gresci. "Hashtag fake news. That's all I know. It's true, it exists. (I) see it all the time about me."

Related: Gronkowski: Who wouldn't want a new deal?

Gronkowski's future has been a major storyline this offseason.

First, he refused to commit to staying on for the 2018 campaign after losing Super Bowl LII. He announced his intention to return following a meeting with Bill Belichick but turned heads once more by following Tom Brady's lead and skipping the voluntary portion of New England's offseason as he looks for a reworked contract.

Freelance reporter Adam Kurkjian sent the rumor mill into overdrive Friday, claiming Belichick wanted to trade Gronkowski - with the San Francisco 49ers and Tennessee Titans named as potential landing spots - but owner Robert Kraft nixed the move after Brady threatened to retire.

"I would say with the utmost confidence that none of that is true. None of it," Patriots PR head Stacy James responded.