Was Garoppolo-to-Gronkowski a real possibility last year?
It was very close to happening according to a report by former Boston Herald writer Adam Kurkjian. According to Kurkjian, multiple sources have said the 49ers and Titans both had offers on the table for Rob Gronkowski last year, as Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wanted to trade the future Hall-of-Fame tight end. The deal was ultimately nixed by owner Robert Kraft, largely due to the fact that Tom Brady threatened to retire if it went through.
From multiple sources, here’s what I have re: the Gronk rumors. Told Belichick wanted to trade him. Offers on the table w both the Titans and 49ers. He and Robert Kraft had a closed-door meeting to discuss. Tom Brady threatened to retire if the deal went through. Kraft nixed it.
— Adam Kurkjian (@AdamKurkjian) June 8, 2018
The story is another in a long-line of reports that seem to indicate Brady, Belichick, and Kraft haven’t been on the same page for some time. There have also been rumors that the Patriots are trying to move Gronkowski this offseason, and it stands to reason that the 49ers would still be interested if the aforementioned report is indeed true.
The 49ers enter the season with George Kittle, 24, and Garrett Celek, 30, as their top two tight ends.