Future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski may not be the player that he was before retirement, but he will play a significant role with the Buccaneers in 2020.
Rob Gronkowski was an expensive trade target for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but it will end up being well worth the cost in the end.
Gronk may be returning from retirement and numerous injuries, but the outlook on his 2020 season in Tampa Bay is very bright. The Buccaneer offense may have many other players that could soak up some targets from Tom Brady, but Bruce Arians will find a way to use Gronk in the best way possible in the high-powered offense.
The Buccaneers already have two talented tight ends on the roster in Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard, but this will actually work in Gronkowski’s favor.
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As one of the most dominant pass-catchers in NFL history, Gronk can make the most of lining up anywhere. The Buccaneers will use this to their advantage in three tight end sets and in using Gronk as a massive receiver.
Any defensive back in the NFL is at a significant matchup disadvantage when lining up across from Gronk. There isn’t a corner in the league that can make up for the distinct disadvantage that they will face when trying to cover Gronk.
Tyler Johnson and Chris Godwin are established entities in the slot, but Rob Gronkowski could earn some reps there, depending on the situation.
As far as three tight end sets are concerned, if the Buccaneers do try to improve their power-run game, running out of a formation that has Howard, Brate, and Gronk provides the offense with several accomplished blockers as well as receiving threats to shake things up.
Bruce Arians hasn’t been a massive proponent of using tight ends in the passing game. One must expect that the presence of three above-average tight ends on the roster that have proficiency in the passing game will lead to more sets that will at least use one as a receiving option.
Rob Gronkowski makes the most sense for this role based on the dominance that he displayed throughout his career as well as his familiarity with Tom Brady. Howard is another option, but being in his prime makes him less susceptible to injuries while blocking.
The smart money is still on seeing many Gronk Spikes during this upcoming season. Some of these could actually come from the receiver position rather than being from a tight end, which would make the trade and Gronkowski’s expensive salary worth the cost.