In a completely unexpected trade this afternoon, former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski ended his retirement and was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to reunite with Tom Brady.

Bill Belichick sent Gronkowski and a seventh round pick to Tampa Bay for a fourth round pick. Pick #117 to be exact.

The deal was surprising, especially when you consider that Gronkowski was pretty adamant last spring that he was done. Apparently old friend Tom Brady can be very persuasive. I am sure the two spoke when Gronkowski was in Tampa Bay two weeks ago for Wrestlemania. Between Brady, the weather in Florida and no state income tax, Gronkowski was convinced to end his retirement.

So what is Tampa Bay getting? A talented 30 year old tight end with a long injury history that is in decline. That is not to take anything away from Gronkowski but he hasn’t played in over a year and he was in decline his last year in New England. Like Brady, this trade will reinvigorate Gronkowski but it may not matter if his body cannot hold up.

As for the Patriots, this is a win. Belichick adds a second fourth round pick (117) giving the Patriots 13 total picks in this year’s draft. Belichick now has some flexibility and could possibly try to move up into the second round and add a more valuable pick.

Like Brady, Gronkowski will always be remembered as a Patriot. He had a tremendous career in New England and in the process became the greatest tight end of all time.

It is a shame Gronkowski couldn’t finish his career here either but that’s sports. It’s a business and the business side of things can be tough on the fans who poor their heart and soul into a team.

Rob Gronkowski had nine great seasons in New England. It is time to move on. Good luck to him and Tom Brady in Tampa.