Gronkowski back with Brady

Rob Gronkowski, the All-Pro tight end who left the NFL after the 2018 season, plans to return to the league, this time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Gronkowski, who did not officially retire when he stepped away from the game in March 2019, was traded by the New England Patriots, to Tampa Bay, where he will be reunited with quarterback Tom Brady, pending a physical examination.

The Patriots will send Gronkowski and their seventh-round pick in this week’s NFL draft to the Buccaneers, and receive Tampa Bay’s fourth-round pick in return.

Since the Bucs signed Brady to a two-year, $50 million deal, the Gronk-toBucs rumors have been swirling. On the latest episode of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live,” host Andy Cohen asked Gronkowski if he could play with Brady.

“I’m feeling good right now, I’m happy where I’m at, and you just never know, man,” Gronkowski said.

“You just never know. You never know. I’m not totally done. I like to stay in shape. But I’ve got to get that feeling back.”

ELSEWHERE

Cowboys: The exclusive franchise tag placed on quarterback Dak Prescott

has been confirmed as $31.409 million, which would mark the largest one-year payout to a player in Cowboys history, surpassing the $31.1 million that defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence received last season.

Chargers:The team unveiled new uniforms with numbers on their helmets and sleeker lightning bolts all over the place. The numbers on the helmets are a throwback to the franchise’s early days in the 1960s. Lightning bolts can be found on the helmets, shoulders and down the pant legs.

Lions: Cornerbacks Mike Ford and Dee Virgin were re-signed by Detroit. Both were exclusive rights free agents.