Sure, but do you see much difference in what Gronk would want right now versus what he’d be looking for next season? I think there’s always the assumption that a player may ask for more money with another solid year behind him, but that needs to be weighed against the risks too, and there are certainly risks with adding years to Gronk’s current deal prior to the 2018 season. If it costs them another million per year of AAV, so be it. I still think it’s the safer choice.
Brady = age, heightened concern of injury, assumed amount of drop off with each passing year from here on out, disgruntled about certain things such as training regimen, could walk away with a SB win either this year or next. Rights are controlled by the team for two more years.
Gronk = 3 back surgeries, blown knee, openly discussed retirement in an attempted power move that went right up to the draft, hints of immaturity and even odd decision making with the Monster energy drink thing, disgruntled with training regimen/Guerrero situation, and tied to the hip with Brady who could play out his contract and retire. Also under the control of the team for two more years.