I loved the move the New England Patriots made this afternoon as they locked up franchise cornerstone and tight end Rob Gronkowski for the next six seasons with a record (highest ever for an NFL tight end) six-year, $54 million contract extension.
The deal includes $18.17 million guaranteed to Gronkowski, who is unquestionably the top tight end in football after only two seasons as a pro. You can't argue that point since he set the record for both receiving yards (1327) and touchdowns (18) by a tight end last season. He made 90 catches and not having him at full health in the Super Bowl-after hurting his ankle in the AFC Championship against the Ravens-was a big reason that the Pats offense couldn't move the ball better and score more points. They ultimately lost another heartbreaker to the Giants for the second time in five seasons.
Gronk had two years left on his rookie deal so this essentially adds another year to that, meaning he can be a Patriot through the 2019 season. Along with Aaron Hernandez and Wes Welker, Gronkowski gives Tom Brady one of the most dynamic passing games in the NFL. I always complain when the Patriots don't pay their players so with that in mind, it's a welcome change to see them take the opposite route on this. If anything, they'll probably save money down the line since there's no reason why Gronk can't continue to get better as he gets more comfortable (haha maybe?) in this offense.
We all love him so it is wonderful that we don't have to worry about him leaving anytime soon. Plus, it shows that the Pats recognize how special he is and what he's capable of developing into (one of the best tight ends in NFL history) in the future. Unlike Tony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates, Gronkowski does it all as a tight end. He is a blocking machine (a big asset in the running game) and defensive players basically can't cover him legally.
UPDATE 6/9: The Pats also released undrafted rookie tight end Brad Herman and signed offensive lineman Mike Ingersoll.
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