Should the Dallas Cowboys trade for Rob Gronkowski?
Without Jason Witten on the roster, should the Dallas Cowboys look into a trade for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski?
For months, the Dallas Cowboys have been tied to trade rumors involving Seattle Seahawks All-Pro free safety Earl Thomas. Still, as the Cowboys prepare to start training camp later this month, no progress has been made. But is Thomas the only potential trade Dallas should be interested in?
How about exploring a trade for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski? The Cowboys could certainly use the future Hall of Famer as Dallas lost one of their own earlier this offseason. Longtime stalwart tight end Jason Witten retired back in May to pursue a television career as a color commentator for ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
And anyone following the Cowboys for the past few years knows about the team’s obsession with all things Patriots. From their methods to some of their ex-players, Dallas is infatuated by New England’s success. Almost as much as they love drafting players out of Boise State.
The 29-year old Gronk skipped OTA’s over contract issues this offseason. He appears to be planning to attend Pat’s training camp but is clearly unhappy with his current deal in New England. Entering his ninth NFL season, Gronkowski is scheduled to make a total $17 million over the next two years. He’s reportedly been on the trading block since before the draft in late April.
If the Cowboys did pursue Gronk, what kind of price tag would they be looking at? Here’s what one unnamed NFC personnel director told NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks.
"“I don’t think you can get a No. 1 for [Gronkowski]. He has a high cap number and an injury history that makes it tough to commit more than a No. 2 for him. Plus, you have the rumors about a possible retirement on the horizon … I just don’t think I can give up a top pick for him.”"
As mentioned above, three things make trading for Gronkowski problematic. One, he has a troubling injury history. Gronk hasn’t played a full-16 game season since 2011. He missed a total of 10 games in the past two years.
Two, Gronkowski has been rumored to be considering retirement. That makes it tough for any team to justify giving up a high draft pick for a player who may up and retire on you at any moment.
Finally, Gronk’s price tag will likely be sky high. As the league’s top tight end, he’ll undoubtedly want to be paid like it. Currently, the highest paid player at that position is the Green Bay Packers’ Jimmy Graham who, according to Spotrac.com, averages $10 million per season.
Despite these issues, getting to place a Super-Bowl winning future Hall of Fame tight end on your roster could be worth the investment. Still only 29-years old, Gronkowski is a five-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro who ranks third all-time in receiving touchdowns for a tight end with 76.
Adding Gronk to a run-first offense in Dallas would instantly elevate the Cowboys passing attack and give third-year quarterback Dak Prescott his best receiving threat yet.
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In the end, the risks are likely too great for the Dallas Cowboys to make a trade for Rob Gronkowski. His injury history, retirement rumors, and massive price tag make a move for him unwise. Especially if the Cowboys believe they still have a shot at landing Earl Thomas.