New England Patriots: 6 Players who will make the Pro Bowl in 2017

Rob Gronkowski, TE

During last week’s OTAs, Patriots’ offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels commented on tight end Rob Gronkowski, telling the Boston Herald’s Karen Guregian (@kguregian):

"“He looks like Gronk.”"

A pretty spooky thought considering the four-time Pro Bowler’s recently restructured incentive-heavy contract. On his Facebook page, ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke down the tight ends updated deal:

"Specific details on Rob Gronkowski’s new deal with Patriots, per @RosenhausSports:‬ ‪1st tier, which gets him to $10.75M either 90 percent play time or 80 catches or 1200 receiving yards or All Pro — and he’s made all pro four times.‬ ‪2nd tier to $8.75M: he has to get 80 percent play time or 70 catches or 1000 receiving yards or 12 Tds.‬ ‪3rd tier takes him to $6.75M is 70 percent playtime, 60 receptions, 800 receiving yards or 10 TDs.‬ ‪But a big new groundbreaking deal for Gronk.‬ – Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)"

Gronkowski was off to a good start in 2016, hauling in 25 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns until a back injury cost him the remainder of his season. The only other season where Gronk didn’t play in at least ten games, was 2013 when he blew out his knee against the Browns. He returned strong in 2014, collecting 82 catches, 1,124 yards, twelve touchdowns, and a first-team All-Pro selection. In relation to his new contract, those numbers would’ve earned him $10.75 million in 2017.

Gronk could only watch as his team went undefeated without him. In 2017, he’ll be hungry to prove his value and importance to the squad’s success. The addition of Brandin Cooks and Dwayne Allen to New England’s offense will create plenty of chances for Gronkowski.

Expect a fifth Pro Bowl selection for Rob Gronkowski in 2017.