NFL News and Notes: Gronkowski Is Back

While the majority of the sport’s world has been put on hold due to the coronavirus, the NFL will give a breath of fresh air to sports fans this weekend with the 2020 NFL Draft.
As the draft unfolds, NFL news has been aplenty with trades, releases, and discussions of possible trades that could transpire during the draft itself. With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the news from this last week:
Gronkowski Returns From Retirement
Despite sitting out a year from the NFL, Rob Gronkowski has decided to return to the NFL from retirement and will be seeing a familiar face in the quarterback that will be passing to him.
That is right, Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have acquired Gronkowski and a seventh-round pick from the New England Patriots in exchange for the Buccaneers’ fourth-round pick. Despite his retirement, the Patriots still held the rights to Gronkowski and his contract.
In 2018, Gronkowski had 47 receptions for 682 yards and three touchdowns. Still only 31, the Buccaneers are hoping that a year away from football will help some of his nagging injuries and give Tampa Bay a chance at taking the NFC South by storm.
This trade now gives the Buccaneers three prominent tight ends in Gronkowski, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate. It is likely that Howard will be traded before the end of the draft. Still, between the tight ends and Mike Evans and Chris Godwin at wide receiver, Tom Brady certainly has a considerable amount of weapons surrounding him.
Jaguars Release Lee
A very solid wide receiving option has just hit the open market. The Jacksonville Jaguars have decided to release Marqise Lee, saving the franchise approximately $4.8 million.
Lee has struggled with injuries over the last couple of years, spending the majority of last season on injured reserve with ankle and shoulder issues. He had just three receptions for 18 yards last year and did not play in 2018.
Still, just a few years ago, Lee had caught 56 passes for 702 yards and three touchdowns. If he can stay healthy, he may be a low risk, high reward type signing for a lucky franchise.
Colts Sign Burton
After being released by the Chicago Bears, it did not take long for tight end Trey Burton to find a new home. The deal is for the veteran minimum; however, he will still be receiving another $4 million from the Bears in his release.
Unfortunately for Burton, last year, he played in just eight games and had a dismal 14 receptions for 84 yards. He spent most of the season on the injured reserve. In 2018, though, Burton was productive, going for 54 receptions and 569 yards.
With Jack Doyle slated to be the primary tight end for the Colts, they may have gotten a steal with Burton. If he can stay healthy, he could give new quarterback Philip Rivers another target to go along with Doyle and T.Y. Hilton.