By: Jeff Barnes
For almost 2 months, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their fans were trying to figure out life after Tom Brady. In March, Brady announced he was back. It seemed like a no-brainer his friend and favorite pass target, Rob Gronkowski would be back as well. After months of leaving fans in suspense, Gronkowski announced he is retiring again. Just like that, one of the leagues historic passing combinations has broken up again, making it harder for the Bucs to handle that “unfinished business.”
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With Brady back in the fold, the Bucs have the centerpiece of their offense back. Brady’s presence automatically makes them favorites to win the NFC South and contenders for the NFC as well. While the Rams have not lost a step this offseason, the Packers dealt Aaron Rodgers’ favorite receiver to the Raiders. Brady’s presence alone makes them contenders, although his weapons will be quite different. The Bucs were able to place Chris Godwin on the franchise tag and re-sign Ryan Jensen, Aaron Stinnie, Breshad Perriman, and Leonard Fournette on offense. The addition of Russell Gage from Atlanta helps boost the receiving corps not that Antonio Brown is a memory. The Buccaneers will have two of their top three receiving options back. Fournette leading the rushing attack with rookie Rachaad White replacing the departed Ronald Jones Jr. Guard Ali Marpet retired, and Alex Cappa left via free agency, so they added Shaw Mason in a trade from New England and drafted Luke Goedeke from Central Michigan in the second round of the draft.
It will be a big blow if Gronkowski is indeed retired. Announcing you are retired is not the same as actually being fully retired. Retiring from the NFL is like getting a divorce, it’s not official until the papers are filed. Until Gronk turns in his papers, he can just come back at any time. He did leave the opportunity at a later date open in his statement. The pair combined on 105 touchdown passes in their time in New England and Tampa. Gronk has not only been Brady’s friend off the field, but also his safety blanket on the field. Now, Brady will have to rely on rookies Cade Otten and Bo Kieft to help Cameron Brate provide Brady options at the tight end position. Brate is a savvy veteran, but there is a little experience behind him.
Brady and the Bucs believe they have unfinished business. The road to redemption will have a lot of bumps. The Bucs open with a test in Dallas on Sunday Night Football. If things remain as they are, two players that made big impacts in their opening night win last year over the Cowboys will not be in a Bucs uniform (Gronk & Brown). How Brady and the Bucs adjust to life without #87 will play a major role in how far the road takes them. Get ready for the season with fresh gear here