Sources close to Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski have speculated that the all pro tight end is considering walking away from football. Those close to Gronkowski believe that the injuries he has suffered while playing in the NFL have taken their toll on him and as a result, he is contemplating walking away.

I understand Gronkowski is beat up physically but if his body is so broken down, why did his good buddy, WWE superstar Mojo Rowley suggest that Gronkowski is considering a career in the WWE? If Gronkowski is so worn down physically from playing football, the last thing he should do is wrestle professionally.

Gronkowski has two years and $22 million dollars left on his current contract. He is a free agent after the 2019 season. He is no dummy. His body has been decimated during his eight year career. If he is going to continue to expose his body to the punishment that it takes, he wants to be fairly compensated.

Threatening to retire is nothing more than a ploy by Gronkowski to force the Patriots to pay him more money. He wants a new contract that is more in line with what receivers are getting paid today. Gronkowski knows he has all the leverage here because he has produced at a wide receiver level.

So, what should the Patriots do in this situation? I think Bill Belichick needs to call Gronkowski’s bluff and put his feet to the fire if you will. Commit to us and we will commit to you long term. Otherwise, if Gronkowski is non-committal, the Patriots should seriously consider trading him.

The Patriots could fetch either a late first rounder or a package of picks. There would be a number of teams interested in Gronkowski’s services if the Patriots made him available.

Gronkowski deserves to get paid like the elite player that he is. Threatening to walk away however might not be the best way to deal with Belichick and the Patriots. As we have seen in the past, Belichick always does what’s best for the team and if trading a disinterested Rob Gronkowski is best for the team, Belichick will do it.

Either way, Gronkowski needs to poop or get off the pot. You are either playing or you are not. It is obvious what game Gronkowski is playing right now and it is a risky play on his part.