After a year’s break, Rob Gronkowski returns to the football stage. Next season, he will appear in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ jersey, which the New England Patriots gave him in exchange for a draft pick. Can “Gronk” help the Bucs in the playoff mission?

Super Bowl 52. Los Angeles Rams versus the New England Patriots. What’s the score? 3-3. 4th quarter. Seven minutes and 36 seconds to go. Try two. The Pats are 31 yards from the opposing end zone. Quarterback Tom Brady gets the snap. Look at that. Pitches. Finds… Rob Gronkowski.

Three Rams defenders try everything to intercept a 29-yard pass, but Gronk wins. A few moments later, Sony Michel runs into the end zone. The Patriots win the Super Bowl and Gronkowski ends up with a pass that is symbolic for his game. A year and two months pass by and “Gronk” now announces his comeback from comeback. Together with Brady, he joins the Bucs. A win-win situation?

Was “crying in bed”
For although the Tight End is arguably one of the best in NFL history, he has been plagued by injury in recent seasons. So bad, in fact, that after the Super Bowl he was “lying in bed crying.” Gronkowski has a long medical record. According to his own statement, he has been feeling “much better and fitter” (“CNBC”) since February 2019.

According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the 30-year-old already underwent a medical check, which he completed with “terrific results”. Bruce Arians, head coach of the “Bucs”, receives another fit and strong offensive option in return for a four-round pick (Pats send Gronkowski and a seven-round pick).

Chemistry between Brady and Gronkowski
This should please Brady, who threw the ball to Gronkowski countless times in the most important moments when the spotlight was brightest. “He’s a great player, a great teammate and a great friend. I’m proud of him,” Brady praised his tight end after their last game together.

Rob Gronkowski's retirement has us saying goodbye to one of the best to ever do it. Since 2006, no QB-receiver combination has seen the success that Tom Brady to Gronk saw.https://t.co/iG3tB7Vy3i pic.twitter.com/rRGrCU5kOZ

— PFF (@PFF) March 26, 2019

The two NFL stars share a unique chemistry, a blind faith. Brady knows how Gronkowski runs his routes and Gronkowski knows where Brady will place it. Especially in a new environment this should be very advantageous.

Variably applicable
According to “Pardon my Take” Arians plans to use his new arrival flexibly. Gronk could be set up in a slot or as a wide receiver in addition to the original tight-end position. Since the Buccaneers already have two good tight ends (O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate), formations with two receivers and two tight ends are also conceivable.

Gronkowski not only brings a lot of experience and skill as a pass receiver, experts consider him one of the best run-blockers. Last season, the “Bucs” achieved a below average 3.7 yards per run. With “Gronk” in the line-up there could be a lot more in the run game.

Winning mentality
Gronk and Brady bring a winner’s mentality to Tampa Bay in addition to their skills on the field. An attitude that is desperately needed. 2007 was the last time the Bucs participated in the playoffs.

Gronkowski in a top-flight constitution is likely to be another important piece of the puzzle for the Buccaneers. It’s still too early to say whether the Florida team will win the playoffs in a few months, but the Gronkowski trade still signals that the Buccaneers want to win – now.