Gronk Gets Paid

Added on Jun 08, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has parlayed his record-setting 2011 season into a lucrative contract extension that will award him $54 million over six years, securing him in the Pats red, white and blue until 2019. The third-year player has quickly become one the league’s most dynamic offensive threats with a nose for the end zone.

The man known as “Gronk” broke a pair of NFL records last year when he racked 1,327 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. In only two seasons, the ex-Arizona Wildcat has scored 28 total touchdowns. To put that in perspective, the Cowboys Jason Witten has scored 27 touchdowns since 2007.

Gronkowski’s new deal will reportedly net him an $8 million signing bonus and $21 million in guaranteed money, part of which will protect him financially against injury. He’s currently rehabbing from ankle surgery to repair the strained ligaments suffered in the AFC Championship victory over Baltimore.

The Pats front office went against the grain by rewarding such a young player a hefty extension that will make him the wealthiest at his position in NFL history (until the Saints Jimmy Graham gets extended). Along with Aaron Hernandez, the Patriots boast the deadliest duo of tight ends in the game.

How dominant was Gronk in 2011? He caught four or more passes in all but one regular season game and recorded more than 70 yards in eleven of 16 games. He also notched eight games with multiple touchdowns, including three scores in the Divisional Playoff win against Denver.

Now that Gronkowski is locked up, the Pats must turn attention toward wide receiver Wes Welker, who is seeking a brand new deal himself. Negotiations between both sides have been a bit contentious, although some of those reports appear to have been blown out of proportion. The diminutive wideout is coming off a a career season that saw him grab 122 receptions and set career highs in yards with 1,569 yards and touchdowns with nine.

Source: NFL.com