New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski admitted that he was considering retirement following the team's Super Bowl 52 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

It's been nearly two months, and Gronk has yet to make an announcement. But according to ESPN's Jeff Darlington, the two-time Super Bowl champion is expected to return next season, citing sources close to Gronkowski.

Darlington did note that Gronk hasn't made a final call yet, but he wants to come back so long as Tom Brady remains part of the team. But even if No. 87 continues his football career, there's a chance it happens outside of Foxborough.

Per Darlington, there is some strain in the relationship of Gronkowski and Belichick, who apparently didn't care for some of his cryptic social media posts. This included Gronk bidding farewell to former teammate Danny Amendola, who signed a two-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. In the post, Gronk wrote "Be FREE, Be HAPPY."

Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston also reported after the Super Bowl that Gronk wasn't happy during training camp last year, feeling "persecuted," and "singled out," and even contemplated retirement.

Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

So even if Gronkowski returns to the Patriots, it looks like there is plenty of tension to clear up with the legendary head coach. With Malcolm Butler leaving the team under bitter circumstances and Belichick reportedly being caught in a power struggle with Brady and Robert Kraft (according to a report from ESPN's Seth Wickersrham in January), it seems like the heat is really on in New England.

Despite the reported drama, the Patriots dynasty nearly won a sixth Lombardi Trophy to their impressive collection. But first, it remains to be seen if Gronkowski will return - and if the Patriots will be able to put all of this tension behind them as they try to win a third consecutive AFC Championship.

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