Buccaneers: 2021 Free agents that need to return ranked
By Rob Leeds
3. Tom Brady’s favorite target needs to stay on the Buccaneers
Tom Brady and Gronk make magic wherever they go. This pair has the innate ability to take almost any team to the Super Bowl, and the Buccaneers made the right decision to trade for Brady’s former teammate.
Gronk took over in the Super Bowl after a season that was highlighted by elite blocking and no injuries, and he should be able to show more of the same with another season alongside Brady.
While Gronk’s contract was extremely expensive in 2020 to join O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate, his salary should come down next season. Gronk doesn’t want to play with anyone other than Brady, which means he has to stay on the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay will likely throw Gronkowski some money based on his stellar performance in the Super Bowl and his hand in changing the culture, but he could end up being one of the cheaper free agents for the Bucs this offseason.
While Gronk isn’t needed as severely as Barrett or David based on the other talent on the roster, the Buccaneers need to keep Brady as comfortable as possible with this signing.