Following the New England Patriots loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, the organization began its flat spin out to sea.
- The organization will lose it’s top two assistants to head coach Bill Belichick. Both Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia have stamped their tickets to head coaching positions elsewhere with the Indianapolis Colts and Detroit Lions.
- The cap space is limited to just 19.3 million which could result in the loss of notable free agents: Nate Solder, Malcolm Butler (long time coming), Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead, and Danny Amendola.
- Finally, the cherry to top the whirlwind of a post Super Bowl schlump… Tight end Rob Gronkowski has no answer to whether or not he will return to the NFL for the 2018 season.
When asked about considering Retirement Gronkowski responded with “I don’t know who you heard that from, but I will be sitting down to take a look at my future for sure.”
The All-Pro tight end has been one of the most vital chess pieces ever on Belichick’s chessboard. Since coming into the league in 2010, Gronkowski has tormented opposing defenses with his elite receiving and blocking ability. He owns almost every record in the book for a tight end, has two Super Bowl rings, and a monster spike.
The biggest issue in Gronk’s career, his ability to stay healthy.
2009 — Missed his entire junior year at Arizona after undergoing surgery for a bulging disk in his back.
2011 — Sprained an ankle and exited the AFC Championship win over the Ravens. Returned to play in Super Bowl XLVI but was clearly hampered by the injury.
2012 — Broke his left forearm blocking an extra point in a win over the Indianapolis Colts in November. Underwent surgery and missed five games.
2013 — Broke the same forearm in January in a playoff win over Houston and missed the Patriots’ loss in the next round to the Ravens.
