Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still holding out hope for the return of tight end Rob Gronkowski. They want Tom Brady’s favorite target to come back but in case he doesn’t they have a back up plan in a young TE Bucs drafted in the 4th round. The franchise, with their 106th overall pick in the NFL Draft picked Washington’s Cade Otton and made fans doubt Gronkowski’s return. Buccaneers GM Jason Licht was quick to assuage these fears. Gronk is still in contention for the comeback.

Before the 4th-round selection, Licht was quoted saying, “I’m still giving him that time. We still talk. I think it didn’t matter if we drafted two tight ends. It wouldn’t matter. I think Rob welcomes that; the more the merrier for him. So that doesn’t show our hand on or foretell what’s going to happen in the future.”

The legendary TE recently revealed that he’ll only play for the Bucs if he decided to play this season. The un-retirement of QB Tom Brady was something that filled fans with the hope of seeing the dynamic duo of Brady and Gronk one last time. He has also been working out at the Buccaneers’ training facility to remain in playing shape, with a return still a possibility.

Would a Rob Gronkowski return be good for the rookies?

The Buccaneers’ newest draft acquisition Otton will be a welcome addition to their roster in Gronk’s absence. In college, Otton managed to record 695 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 39 games for the Washington Huskies. He will fill the vacant roster spot left by the loss of former 1st round pick OJ Howard to the Buffalo Bills in free agency.

Read More: Rob Gronkowski Provides Latest Update on His Future With Tom Brady Amid 2022 NFL Draft

But Gronk’s return might relegate Otton with limited playing time in his rookie season. However, it will also provide the rookie a chance to learn and compete with one of the very best to play his position. Licht also added that Gronk was happy to welcome Otton into their roster and relishes the chance of facing competition.

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Gronk‘s recent revelations of feeling a sense of family with the Buccaneers only further increase the hope of the Tampa Bay faithful. The upcoming 2022 NFL campaign will be a season of redemption for the franchise after a disappointing 2021 NFL campaign.

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