APThe New England Patriots drafted tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in the same year. One worked out really well. One, for reasons unrelated to football, didn’t.
The one who did has now gotten another reward from the team. Three years after signing a long-term deal (when teams could sign draft picks to new contracts after only two seasons), the Patriots have reworked Gronkowski’s contract to accelerate a significant payment that wasn’t due until after the 2015 season.
PFT has confirmed that the Patriots have shifted Gronkowski’s $10 million option bonus into 2015, with Gronkowski getting $4 million as a signing bonus. The other $6 million will be paid out before the $10 million decision otherwise was due to be made.
The move, per a source with knowledge of the deal, came at Gronkowski’s request.
The restructuring was first reported by Field Yates of ESPN.com.
While his performance in 2014 made the team’s decision to pick up the $10 million option bonus more likely, his long-term status was a little tenuous after multiple arm surgeries (the injury initially happened on an extra-point try) and a December 2013 torn ACL. Since he doesn’t need the money (in his new book, Gronkowski makes it clear that he has spent none of his football money, using his endorsement revenue instead), Gronkowski apparently wanted to secure his future with the team.
And now he has, with a contract that runs through 2019. Which means he’ll definitely be spiking footballs (and possibly pushing some of the air out of them) for the duration of Tom Brady’s career, and beyond.
The football in that pic looks really small. Not a deflategate joke. Gronk just big.
Everyone would have stats like him if they were catching under inflated balls.
“when teams could sign players to new contracts after only two seasons.” .. Geezus ..Did the players get ANYTHING in the CBA negotiations?
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
Smart move by the Pats.
He is so underpaid… I see Graham and Julius Thomas making more money then him.. Charles Clay has more gtd money.. This dude would command a king’s ransom on the open market. Belichick was smart to extend him after his record season in 2011.. The dude is transcendent.
Gronk-you very much!
“The football in that pic looks really small. Not a deflategate joke. Gronk just big.”
___________________
Like Andre the Giant holding that 12 oz. Molson can. Google it.
I love Gronk and I am not even a Pat’s fan. You have to appreciate a guy that parties like an out of control frat bro and still keeps his nose clean. Hats off to this man.
Ahsum! Gronk really have some party money now baby! Gas up the Gronk Bus. Gronk Babe t-shirts now for sale on amazon.com!
Patriot fans: next time you want to bash Goodell consider this. If not for his leadership over the past few years, the increase in TV revenue, and negotiating the mutually beneficial CBA, etc then there is no way Gronk could score this kind of payday.
Make your conspiracy theories and bash away, but if Goodell wasn’t leading the league to greatness then these elite athletes would not have this kind of well-deserved financial reward. Yeah maybe he could have handled the deflated ball issue better* but you have to look at the entire body of his work.
So, on behalf of Goodell, you are welcome.
(*Maybe not. Still to be determined in a court of law)
AquaHawk_12 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:07 AM
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
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If the balls weren’t deflated in the first place, why did the league try to frame Brady?
Funny how with other teams, Reporters scoop early that players want to renegotiate their contracts. However, for the Patriots, it is reported after the fact. And they never interview ball boys. I guess they are too busy chasing Chris Mortenson.
AquaHawk_12 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:07 AM
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
Go back to your Jet pillow and cry yourself to sleep!
Even if you hate the Pats (like me) you have to love Gronk. He legitimately just loves playing & plays his tail off on every play.
Who doesnt transfer all their info from one phone to another when switching phones? That is my question, Tom.
Deflategate may not be that big of a deal, but lying about something you did and truly believing it was right is pathetic and egomaniacal. When you lie about a mistake, it turns into a catastrophe. Hence, 4 games and all the media bs that comes with it.
Lesson, Kids, tell the truth.
Best tight end in the game………well deserved
AquaHawk_12 says:Aug 4, 2015 11:07 AM
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
________________________________
They were fired for taking items from the team like jersey, cleats etc and getting the players to sign them, to sell….THATS WHY THEY WERE FIRED.
Smart move!
Yet another terrific move by the World Champions and NFL’s Greatest Dynasty! 🙂 There are so many of these terrific moves I lost count! 🙂
The man deserves every penny and then some.
Ralphie says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:10 AM
“The football in that pic looks really small. Not a deflategate joke. Gronk just big.”
___________________
Like Andre the Giant holding that 12 oz. Molson can. Google it.
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Speaking of Andre the Giant….Does anybody else think that Andrew Luck is Andre’s “Mini-Me”?
The country is slowly coming around to the corruption, vindictiveness and jealousy in the NFL offices led by Kensil, Vincent, Pash and the Don ex Jet Goodell…they will all be gone long before Brady throws his last TD to Gronkowski.
I have the number one pick in two of my leagues and just might pull the trigger on Gronk in both of them. It is ppr after all.
Best Tight End in the game, combined with best slot player in the game = prolong Brady’s career.
Edelman = Dinking
Gronkowski = Dunking
“When you lie about a mistake, it turns into a catastrophe. Hence, 4 games and all the media bs that comes with it.
Lesson, Kids, tell the truth.”
Since the balls weren’t deflated, there’s no evidence that Tom Brady has lied about anything. But thanks for the advice, Professor Umbridge…
2001asterisk2003asterisk2004asterisk2014asterisk says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:06 AM
Everyone would have stats like him if they were catching under inflated balls.
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For sure… and everyone can fly if they put on a Superman cape.
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund?
waxthat says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:15 AM
Who doesnt transfer all their info from one phone to another when switching phones? That is my question, Tom.
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Contacts? Yes. Text messages? Nobody I know.
Funny how with other teams, Reporters scoop early that players want to renegotiate their contracts. However, for the Patriots, it is reported after the fact. And they never interview ball boys. I guess they are too busy chasing Chris Mortenson.
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Could it be that Patriots don’t play out their contract issues in the media?
befair2goodell says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:13 AM
Patriot fans: next time you want to bash Goodell consider this. If not for his leadership over the past few years, the increase in TV revenue, and negotiating the mutually beneficial CBA, etc then there is no way Gronk could score this kind of payday.
Make your conspiracy theories and bash away, but if Goodell wasn’t leading the league to greatness then these elite athletes would not have this kind of well-deserved financial reward. Yeah maybe he could have handled the deflated ball issue better* but you have to look at the entire body of his work.
So, on behalf of Goodell, you are welcome.
(*Maybe not. Still to be determined in a court of law)
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The NFL is televisions golden goose. I could have got the tv deal. As for the CBA agreement it is widely known that Bob Kraft was the man responsible for that deal being made. Ironic huh. So spare me the Goodell smooching. His legacy will be the never ending list of embarrassing scandals and overturned decisions.
Gronkasaurus Rex!
1gallon says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:23 AM
Could it be that Patriots don’t play out their contract issues in the media?
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This and the smarter players know that going to the media is a surefire way to get your rear end shipped out of NE. Just ask Randy Moss.
While it is hard to argue that Brady is the Patriots MVP because of how often he touches the ball, Gronk is the best player on the team now. He really should be top 5 in the league if you don’t count his health issues. No defender can really do anything with him and if they do commit the players to really shut him down then Brady has a field day everywhere else. The Patriots go as he Gronk goes. I hope he can stay healthy again.
Pats are unstoppable when Gronk is healthy……this fact is undeniable. The Fact that BB has contractual control on Gronk for pennies on the dollar compared to the the $14 million diva WR contracts shows us why one coach sports 6 SB rings. Paying $14 mill per year to a WR that catches a ball 6 times a game on a good day is economically foolish. TE’s are the best value in the business because they contribute at the point of attack on EVERY play….unlike the higher paid decoys on the edge.
Count up the rings on Megatron, Dez, Green, Fitzgerald, Julio Jones. Only Fitzgerald knows what a SB field looks like.
There is a reason Belichick scours the universe for TEs and ignores the flashy #1 WR.
swagger52 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:22 AM
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund?
__
You mean like the balls he used in the Super Bowl? When he completed 74% of his passes for 350 yards?
swagger52 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:22 AM
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund?
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Since we know Brady couldn’t use deflated footballs on the road and his stats on the road are the same as at home, I don’t think this is much of a worry. Only his age catching up with him will eventually slow him down, but that probably won’t happen for 2 more years at least.
AquaHawk_12 says:Aug 4, 2015 11:07 AM
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
Ok, for those of you following along, in the leagues punishment to the Patriots, they ruled that neither Jim McNally nor John Jastremski could be brought back to their positions until the NFL notified the Patriots otherwise. You’re welcome to those who are having trouble keeping up with, you know, that actual facts and events of the case.
He deserves every single penny………and the guy saves every penny too, he is smarter than many people think.
swagger52 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:22 AM
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund?
Those “regulation” balls worked out quite well against the Seahawks, if you believe this nonsense then you are a Jets fan lol…
I hope they still have enough cap space to sign next year’s first round pick.
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
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They can’t be reinstated without prior approval from the NFL and if they are reinstated they can’t go back to their old jobs. Both are prohibited from preparation, supervision or handling of footballs
It’s in the ruling handed down by Goodell via Troy Vincent.
swagger52 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:22 AM
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund
_____________________________
Can we all assume that the super bowl balls were legit and controlled through out the whole game?
Did not seem to phase Tom Brady one bit in his come from behind twice ….300+ yards passing and FOUR – TD’s. Tom Brady will have a better year this year because he will be out to prove all the haters that nothing happen with the balls….Big mistake pissing the man off…big mistake…
Gronk confused. Numbers make Gronk head hurt.
dickshotdogs says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:20 AM
I have the number one pick in two of my leagues and just might pull the trigger on Gronk in both of them. It is ppr after all.
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Yeah….that would be a great move.
Considering he will have Garfloppolo throwing to him for the first 4 games.
Penalty stands. (Gavel meets block)
Guilty!
NEWSFLASH! Mort Anderson finally deletes false psi twitter post
HAHA!! Got ya. But for real Chris Mortenson did delete the post, a little late though
Just heard that Chris Mortensen took his tweet down.
billswillnevermove says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:31 AM
He deserves every single penny………and the guy saves every penny too, he is smarter than many people think.
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The fun-loving, meathead party boy image is the reason he gets asked to do so many appearances. It is to his financial gain to help cultivate this image.
And yes….he is smarter than people give him credit for.
Time for the “Full 32” to send Goodell and his fleet of legal neophytes packing. Roger is destroying the brand more and more every day.
“…..a league office drunk on power, overwhelmed by prejudice……” Dan Wetzel, Yahoo Sports
“swagger52 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:22 AM
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund?”
The second half of the 2014 AFCCG, Brady with balls over 12.5 psi, Luck with balls under 12.5 psi; 27-0 Patriots.
Super Bowl 49, with more eyes on the balls than there are people in the US, Brady engineers fourth quarter comeback victory to take home the Lombardi and the MVP.
Sorry, haters but those are facts.
Gronk is pure joy…as a player…as a person.
Goodell is pure evil …on a crusade to destroy innocent lives to save his own job.
Framegate…..Gronk & Brady will make Loser Nation pay.
AquaHawk_12 says:Aug 4, 2015 11:07 AM
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
______________________________
One last time here folks… they were suspended at the request of the NFL. Get the facts people.
the single most valuable player who is not a QB the NFL has seen in a generation.
ranlgon says: Aug 4, 2015 11:35 AM
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
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They can’t be reinstated without prior approval from the NFL and if they are reinstated they can’t go back to their old jobs. Both are prohibited from preparation, supervision or handling of footballs
It’s in the ruling handed down by Goodell via Troy Vincent.
—
The next Patriots email release will have the order from the league to suspend the ball boys. 🙂
BOOK IT.
Aw, poor Patriot Hater. What will you say then?
🙂
swagger52 says: Aug 4, 2015 11:22 AM
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund?
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35-31. 🙂
Two 14 point comebacks. 🙂
I also see Suggs backing down from his usual take on Brady. What a WUSSY. 🙂 I hope Brady keeps getting right up in his grill and makes him curl up in the fetal position with a thumb planted in his mouth. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
He just turned 26 years old.. And will play in his sixth season.. Man.. Gonzalez TD record is in danger.
Barring injury, Brady will play beyond 2019.
befair2goodell says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:13 AM
Patriot fans: next time you want to bash Goodell consider this. If not for his leadership over the past few years, the increase in TV revenue, and negotiating the mutually beneficial CBA, etc then there is no way Gronk could score this kind of payday.
Make your conspiracy theories and bash away, but if Goodell wasn’t leading the league to greatness then these elite athletes would not have this kind of well-deserved financial reward. Yeah maybe he could have handled the deflated ball issue better* but you have to look at the entire body of his work.
So, on behalf of Goodell, you are welcome.
(*Maybe not. Still to be determined in a court of law)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Kraft had much more to do with TV revenue than Goodell. Kraft chaired the committee. Not sure if Goodell had any input at all. Credit where credit is due!
If I were ever to be as God gifted as Gronk, I would do things the way he does. Spend only endorsement money and leave contract money to gather interest all while having the time of my life. Well deserved contract from a guy that brings zero baggage and is squared away.
swagger52 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:22 AM
When Brady throws regulation balls this year and his stats go down, will they ask for a refund?
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Well if he looks like he did in the 2nd half of the AFCCG (4 TDs) and how he did in the SB (4 TDs) I’d say Pats fans will be pretty happy!
If you think a little air in a football is what makes Brady great then you don’t know football. In fact your team’s QB could do anything he wanted to a football and would still stink.
Imagine how high the gronk spiked football will go now
“next time you want to bash Goodell consider this. If not for his leadership over the past few years, the increase in TV revenue, and negotiating the mutually beneficial CBA, etc then there is no way Gronk could score this kind of payday.”
Uh, wrong. A crippled monkey could have engineered the TV deals given the place the league was in when Goodell took over.
And no he did not “negotiate” the CBA. A team of lawyers that understand the legal minutiae involved was who actually negotiated the CBA. Goodall just rubber stamped it. Which again, a crippled monkey could have done.
” if you believe this nonsense then you are a Jets fan lol…”
Nope he’s a Ravens fan. And like their coach and team who lead the league in whining, their fans lead the league in fan whining
“The New England Patriots drafted tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez in the same year. One worked out really well. One, for reasons unrelated to football, didn’t.”
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A pretty simple argument could be made that, because of football, Aaron Hernandez was enabled to do all the worst things he could have ever wanted to do. If he were Joe Schmoe he’d probably have been locked up often enough that there’d be a few more folks alive today if Aaron Hernandez would have been the run-of-the-mill drug dealer he’d have been without his athletic ability.
Best Tight End in the game, combined with best slot player in the game = prolong Brady’s career.
Edelman = Dinking
Gronkowski = Dunking
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See the Ref = Throw up the Jump Ball ™ and hope for flag
🙂
The secret to Gronk’s success… Steroids.
voiceofreason01 says:
Aug 4, 2015 1:55 PM
The secret to Gronk’s success… Steroids.
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I think you meant Antonio Gates.
milehipigskin says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:27 AM
Gronkasaurus Rex!
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Speaking of Rex, I hope he gets a heavy dose of Gronk this year.
footballboozer says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:14 AM
AquaHawk_12 says:
Aug 4, 2015 11:07 AM
If Tom Brady did nothing wrong, why Jim McNally and John Jastremski not re-instated?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Dude, what don’t you understand about THE NFL ORDERED THE PATRIOTS TO SUSPEND THEM.
I hope he enjoys the coloring books and Mr. Potato Head they threw in to sweeten the deal.
Super Bowls the Patriots have won since Spygate:
XLIX
Patriots XXVIII
Seahawks XXIV
Yup. Patriot Hater mad.
🙂
Nope he’s a Ravens fan. And like their coach and team who lead the league in whining, their fans lead the league in fan whining
Wow, just wow…. pot, meet kettle.
No one, like ever, has whined more than you pat brats over the past several months.
Good for Gronk, wish he played for a team that doesn’t cheat all of the time.
“when teams could sign players to new contracts after only two seasons.” .. Geezus ..Did the players get ANYTHING in the CBA negotiations?
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In a rather cosmic coincidence, the last two players to receive new contracts after two seasons were GRONK and Hernandez.
In the grand scheme of things, I don’t think this really hurt players per se, since, by comparison, GRONK’s contract is actually relatively cheap in the later years.
CHECK THIS MEAT HEAD FOR ROIDS
hard to hate gronk…on pace for a hall of fame career
Someone lock Gronk up now before the worst happens! The last time they gave a TE big money he shot somebody!
His long term future may have been tenuous a while ago, but certainly wasn’t now. That’s why they were like, sure, let’s just do it now. Gronk is going to be dominant for a while. We love Gronk!
So was there any cap implication to the movement of bonus/guaranteed money? I assume that this deal soaked up cap space this year to free up cap space next year?
Gronk is now the best player on that team. I love the other guys but gronk is a top player in the NFL. He deserves it.
That’s a heckuva good fooball player there. One of the best in the league. Good for him and the Pats. People make fun of him, but he’s had difficult rehabs after bad injuries and always done the work. Saved his money. You should all be as smart as Gronk. FB IQ off the charts. He’ll be a success after FB too. Throwing Sergio Brown ‘outta the club’ was one of the great moments.