Buccaneers tight end situation is solid regardless of Rob Gronkowski’s status

With Rob Gronkowski‘s future with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looking more and more doubtful with each passing day, the position is still in a solid spot for the Buccaneers regardless if Gronk plays or not.

Other than rookie minicamp, it seems the biggest ongoing story line at this point in the offseason as it pertains to the Buccaneers is the will they/won’t they situation of a potential reunion of Gronkowski and the Bucs. Gronk has been dropping subtle hands on social media lately, however said hints appear to be pointing to the negative. That said, Gronk has always been a bit of a goofy cat, so it’s very possible he’s in the “say whatever to gauge the reaction for laughs“ stage of the process.

Even with that being the case, the Buccaneers have done a fantastic job with the position in the offseason, regardless of whether or not the future Hall of Famer does return to Tampa Bay.

They still have Cameron Brate. Now, while he may not get the recognition he deserves around the league, Bucs fans have come to appreciate just how reliable ol’ reliable has been for them. The undrafted Ivy Leaguer never misses time, and if the best ability truly is availability, then start getting him fitted for his gold jacket. Whether he becomes of de facto starter, or the second tight end to Gronkowski, Brate will thrive thanks to be growing rapport he’s developed with Tom Brady.

Speaking of Brady, he is probably the biggest reason why the tight end room is in a good spot. Throughout his career, he has always made his tight ends better, like every other position on the team, which is why every team he’s on and has been able to utilize multiple players at the position at a time.

Fortunately, the Buccaneers also drafted multiple.

The Bucs drafted two tight ends, and both complement each other splendidly. Fourth-round pick Cade Otton is the more natural receiver, with great run after the catch skills. Ko Kieft meanwhile, the tight end they drafted in the sixth round, is an absolute bowling ball of a tight end, whose biggest strength is his blocking. Both tight ends put together essentially equal one Gronk as far as their best skill sets are concerned. Obviously we’ll wait and see what the production produces. You pair them with Brate, along with Brady throwing them the rock, and the team will keep chugging along with those tight ends.

Sure, neither were seen as “first-round talents”, and their draft spots reflect as such, but with tight ends that doesn’t matter. Great tight ends are rarely drafted in the first round, or even any early rounds at all.

Of course, Rob Gronkowski still may come back. If he does, then he’s just the cherry on top of what should be a delicious Sunday sundae for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their tight ends. Chow down fans.