New England Patriots News: Rob Gronkowski Handed Half of Bonus Option Before Season Begins
As teams and players prepare to begin the new NFL season, the New England Patriots have given Rob Gronkowski a number of reasons to remain motivated -- 4 million reasons, to be exact.
The star tight end currently has a contract with the Patriots that expires on 2019. Along with that contract is a $10 million bonus option that the club can give him. It has been revealed that the Patriots recently held negotiations with Gronkowski and a new restructured contract sees that he gets the $4 million even before the current season begins.
The remaining $6 million is going to be given at the end of the coming league year.
This has come to a surprise to "Gronk" as it now helps him concentrate on playing football instead of also worrying about picking up an injury that may risk him not qualifying for that bonus that New England is ready to hand him.
"It's a great feeling. I just want to thank Mr. Kraft, Coach Belichick and the New England Patriots organization. They're first-class to always deal with. It is what it is now and it's time to put that behind you and just play football now," the 26-year-old said.
Gronkowski has proven he is one of the best, if not the best, tight end in the league – and has gone to make an argument as one of the best ever.
Along with recently winning his first Super Bowl title, Gronkowski has a list of accomplishments in his sixth year in the league.
He is tied with the legendary Randy Moss for the most touchdowns in a player's first two years with 28, with Moss being a proven receiver while Gronk is a tight end.
Now that the issue on money is out of the way, expect a better Gronkowski who is out to prove that the trust and time that the Patriots have given him are going to be all worth it.
