New England Patriots nearly traded Rob Gronkowski to the Detroit Lions
A blockbuster trade involving the New England Patriots best receiver nearly went through
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski threatened to retire when he was nearly dealt to the Detroit Lions prior to the NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Schefter reported what would have been a blockbuster trade Sunday morning on NFL Countdown, saying the deal would have reunited Gronkowski with former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who took over as the Lions head coach.
When word of the trade reached Gronkowski he rejected phone calls from the Lions front office and threatened to retire.
Gronkowski signed a contract extension with New England prior to the NFL season starting a couple weeks ago.
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The return for Gronkowski may never be known, but it’s not unfathomable that Detroit would give up a first round pick for one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. That would have given New England three first round picks, with that hypothetical third pick potentially being for a receiver or a quarterback. New England would take Georgia products Sony Michel and Isaiah Wynn.
Imagine if the Patriots traded Gronkowski following the move of receiver Brandin Cooks to Los Angeles. The two were atop the Patriots receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns list last year, combining for 134 catches, 2,166 yards, and 15 touchdowns.
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New England has been desperate for wide receiver help with Cooks gone and Julian Edelman serving a suspension. They lost Jordan Matthews to a hamstring injury and Eric Decker to retirement in the preseason, and have had a parade of receivers come through every week, including Corey Coleman.
Josh Gordon came to the team last week for a fifth-round pick via the Cleveland Browns, but he’s been anything but consistent when it comes to being at work every week.