New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was paid $4 million of his $10 million bonus due in 2016 as part of a six-year, $54 million deal signed three years ago.
Gronkowski’s contract was split into two parts. The final four years of the deal are triggered when the bonus — initially a $10 million payment — is received by the 26-year-old All-Pro. Dividing the bonus into two payments rewards Gronkowski and softens the cap charge, depending on when the Patriots opt to pay the remaining $6 million.
He is now signed through 2019.
Gronkowski has 54 touchdown receptions in 65 games, bouncing back last season from multiple surgeries to anchor the receiving corps.
Gronkowski said in his recent book that he has not spent any of his NFL bonus or salary income, relying on endorsement payments instead.
Gronkowski is coming off an elite season in which he earned All-Pro honors and became the first tight end with four seasons with 10 or more touchdowns.
He’s also coming off a healthy offseason for the first time in years, with recent ACL, back and arm injuries now a thing of the past. When healthy, Gronkowski has been Brady’s favorite, most productive receiver for five years and the guy who makes the passing game go from good to elite.
Gronkowski has a new sidekick this summer in Scott Chandler. The 6-foot-7 veteran adds a new dimension to the offense that should show up in the red zone at the very least, taking over the complementary tight end role from the released Tim Wright.
Michael Hoomanawanui is a serviceable backup, mostly as a blocker and decent third tight-end option. Bequette is making the transition to offense as a former third-round pick out of Arkansas as a defensive end. He looked like a project in spring practice.
A.J. Derby and Jimmay Mundine are rookies, with the former having playing just one season at the position after playing quarterback at Iowa, community college and Arkansas early in his collegiate career. He does have the size for the position, while Mundine is a more athletic, move tight-end prospect.