While the Buffalo Bills potentially adding Rob Gronkowski could be debated whether it would have been a good move or not, one thing is clear and that is general manager Brandon Beane is serious about improving the position.
According to Mike Silver, before Gronkowski re-signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs the former Pro Bowl tight end had a similar offer from the Buffalo Bills. This means the Bills were likely offering a one-year deal around $10 million dollars based on the reported contract Gronkowski signed with the Bucs.
This past season Gronkowski returned to the NFL after retiring for a season and was traded to the Bucs to join Tom Brady. While he didn’t produce like he did early in his career, he still had a productive year with 45 receptions, 623 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns.
There is no question that if the Buffalo Bills were to add Gronkowski he would be the team’s best tight end. The question comes down to whether or not the Bills should offer a contract of $10 million to a tight end who is 31 years old and does have a significant injury history.
While the Buffalo Bills ultimately missed out on Rob Gronkowski, it is clear that they are going to try and add more talent to the position. It has been reported that Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith are both heading to New England but there are still players like Kyle Rudolph and Jared Cook available in free agency.
It has also been reported that Zach Ertz has been made available by the Eagles in trades and could be another route for general manager Brandon Beane. Both players could also be cut over the next few days and the Bills would be able to sign them as free agents.
Brandon Beane said at the end of the year press conference that he wanted to improve the tight end position. Based on the report by Silver, there is no question that he is serious and trying to follow through on adding a play-making tight end this offseason.