Gronkowski unsure of future, open to Bucs return even if Brady retires
Like his teammate Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski didn't commit to returning for the 2022 season.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end told reporters Monday he wasn't ready to make a call on his future in wake of Sunday's divisional-round loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
"The process is take some time off, recover ... give it a couple weeks and go from there," Gronkowski said, according to team reporter Carmen Vitali.
Should he decide to continue playing, Gronkowski didn't rule out returning to Tampa Bay even if his longtime quarterback decides to retire. The veteran pass-catcher is set to be a free agent this offseason.
"There could be a scenario like that. I'd never throw anything off the board because you never know how anything's going to play out," he added, per Joey Knight of The Tampa Bay Times.
Brady said he was taking his future "day by day" Sunday.
The 44-year-old lured Gronkowski out of retirement to join him on the Buccaneers in 2020. The two won Super Bowl LV in their first season together with the club.
"It was still a very successful season," Gronkowski noted. "To win the Super Bowl last year and get back in the playoffs this year is hard ... just proud to be a part of it these last two years."
Gronkowski caught 55 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns across 12 appearances this season.