Probably best for the Pats if he does retire. He’s the GOAT but his prime is over. He’s way too expensive for 5-8 games of solid, non-game changing play which is all you can hope for out of him
Given his age and amount of wear and tear in him, I don’t see any reason to expect him to be an elite player going forward. It could happen but it seems like an unlikely proposition at this point and not one worth betting significant cap space on in the future
Last season, Gronk ranked (among all pass-catchers):
.. 10th in receiving yards
.. 8th in receiving TDs
.. 8th in 20yd+ catches
.. 8th in receiving yds/game
.. 9th in receiving 1st downs
In 2017, Gronk was the Pats most productive receiver in total receiving yards, yards/game and receiving TDs. He played in 14 games. He was targeted in only 13 games.
2017: 15.7 YPC .. 4.9 rec/game .. 65.7% catch rate
2018: 15.4 YPC .. 4.1 rec/game .. 67.4% catch rate
(playing on an injured ankle since wk-3)
Gronk has played in 7 games so far this season. There are 6 games left on the schedule.
Gronk's 2018 cap hit would rank 10th among WRs
His 2019 cap hit would rank 18th among WRs.
Gronk turns 30 in May 2019.