Rob Gronkowski

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski has committed to playing in 2018.

Fantasy Impact

As expected, Gronkowski will play in 2018. He committed following a meeting with his agent and Bill Belichick on Tuesday. From a fantasy football perspective, barring injury, Gronkowski should once again appear on top of the fantasy TE ranks entering this season despite Zach Ertz and Travis Kelce closing in. It's all systems go for Gronkowski and the Patriots.

The Boston Herald is reporting New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick "chastised" TE Rob Gronkowski in front of the team for being a client of Alex Guerrero and TB12 during the early portion of the 2017 season,

Fantasy Impact

It is crystal clear that there is disdain amongst the Patriots organization, primarily between Gronkowski and Belichick. Per reports, Gronkowski was "chastised" in front of his teammates last season by the Hall of Fame head coach for being a TB12 client, which is the foundation of all their animosity. Reports further suggest that because of the methods of the diet and training that goes along with the TB12 program, the Pro Bowl tight end has shed too much weight and "might be getting a bit too lean for a tight end." However, while there have been rumblings around the league that Gronkowski could be on the trade block, they have seemed to die down for the moment, especially since Gronkowski recently told the press that he fully expects a New England return in 2018. No matter where he ends up, Gronkowski is proving that he is not only committed to playing football this season, but he is also poised to do what it takes to remain healthy.

ESPN's Jeff Darlington is reporting New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski "is pretty certain" that he will play in 2018.

Fantasy Impact

There is clearly tension between Gronkowski and those in the Patriots organization, most notably head coach Bill Belichick. While Belichick is questioning if Gronkowski is "all-in" on football, Grownkowski is growing frustrated with the "Patriots way." However, reports are suggesting that if Gronkowski begins to commit, the tension will begin to alleviate between the two sides as their current tiff is not viewed "irreconcilable." Unless the tension gets any worse between now and the NFL Draft, I expect Gronkowski to remain with the Patriots in 2018.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting that New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski is expected to return for the 2018 season.

Fantasy Impact

"The expectation is that Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will return for 2018 after pondering his future," Rapoport said Wednesday via the NFL Network. "He may never make a grand announcement, but the belief is entertainment opportunities (acting WWE) will wait." Yes, Gronkowski is being solicited by the WWE for a post-football career. Gronkowski even went as far as tweeting a photo of him in the ring at a WWE event last year with a cryptic caption suggesting that he has a future in the ring. However, although he may very well be employed in the WWE one day, I don't think it will be anytime soon. Expect Gronkowski to be atop fantasy football draft boards at TE for 2018.

Rob Gronkowski caught nine of 15 targets for 116 yards and two touchdowns during the Patriots' 41-33 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Gronkowski had a slow start to the game but came on strong. The 28-year-old tight end should go into next season at the top of his position in fantasy but there are rumblings he is considering retiring as per Paul Perillo of the team's official site. We will have to wait and see what happens.