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New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will face the Detroit Lions on Sunday night, but he could have played for them instead.
The Patriots and Lions were at the heart of the trade talks last season that culminated during the draft week, when teams nearly completed a large-scale trade involving Gronkowski, ESPN sources told the league.
When Gronkowski discovered that he could be traded to Detroit that week, he threatened to retire rather than surrender to Lions, sources said. Gronkowski even refused to return Lions calls, sources said.
It was not that Gronkowski did not want to play Detroit; He did not want to play anywhere other than in New England, sources said. The Patriots had discussed a trade with some teams, and Gronkowski would have reported none, according to sources. Gronkowski wanted to play in New England, with Tom Brady, or anywhere.
It was at this point that Gronkowski officials and Patriots met, the two sides discussing a plan for the tight portion of the Pro Bowl in order to continue playing in New England. The Patriots then canceled any trade deal with the Lions, leaving Detroit disappointed.
The story ends well for Gronkowski and the Patriots, who have accepted a reworked contract over the summer, adding incentives of $ 4.3 million for the 2018 season. He can earn $ 1 million. bonus dollars per game and a maximum of $ 3.3 million by achieving three of the following four incentives: 70 or more, 1,085 receiving yards, 80% playing time or nine touchdowns.
By structuring the contract in this way, Gronkowski's payroll costs for 2018 will not be significantly affected as incentives of $ 3.3 million will not increase costs. This marks the second year in a row that the Patriots have added incentives to Gronkowski's contract.
Gronkowski, 29, had nine passes for 138 yards and one touchdown in the Patriots' first two games this season. He was removed from the New England injury report on Friday after being limited on Wednesday following an ankle injury.
Mike Reiss of ESPN contributed to this report.
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