New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski is unlikely to hold out now, as ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that he's expected to be "on time" for training camp on July 25.
According to Spotrac.com, Gronkowski makes just an $8 million base salary in 2018, and it moves up to just $9 million in 2019. For a tight end of his caliber, that's being massively underpaid, but it doesn't appear as though Gronk is ready to hold out and try to earn a better contract this summer.
It's been a dramatic offseason for the league's best tight end. After the Patriots lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52, Gronkowski hinted at retirement, saying he'd take a look at his long-term future before making a decision.
Rumors from multiple reporters suggested that Gronkowski was getting frustrated with the physical toll football was putting on his body. On top of that, it was reported that he was fed up with the tight ship led by head coach Bill Belichick, with Gronk even considering retirement before last season started.
But unless something unexpected happens in the coming weeks, it sounds like Gronkowski will suit up with the Patriots again in 2018. It's still possible that the team could trade him if they think there's good value to be had for Gronkowski, though such a move wouldn't happen for several more weeks.
The Patriots would probably be better off keeping Gronkowski, given the lack of depth in pass-catchers. Brandin Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams, Danny Amendola signed with the Miami Dolphins and Julian Edelman has handed a four-game suspension after failing a drug test.
It's going to be a very interesting 2018 season in New England, given the challenges that await the defending AFC Championships. But this team has garnered a reputation for always overcoming the obstacles, so we shouldn't doubt what they can do this upcoming season.