Tight end Rob Gronkowski is one of the greatest tight ends to ever take the field in the NFL. He has been a force of nature since the New England Patriots selected him with the No. 42 overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft.

He retired following the 2018 season, missing 2019 before being coaxed out of retirement to join Tom Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The connection they built for nine years in New England carried over to Tampa Bay as things clicked nearly immediately.

Gronkowski took a little while to get going following his return from retirement, but he looked more like himself in 2021. Despite missing five games, Gronkowski caught 55 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns compared to the 45/623/7 line he had in 16 games in 2020.

Now a free agent again, there is a chance that Gronkowski heads off into retirement again. But, there is still a chance that he returns for at least one more season. Will he play for an offense that doesn’t have Brady leading it for the first time in his career?

We will have to wait and see what Gronkowski decides to do. If he decides to come back for another season, here are four teams that should pursue him for his 12th season in the NFL.

4. New York Jets

The New York Jets are one of the teams that could really use an upgrade at the tight end position this offseason. This past season, Ryan Griffin and Tyler Kroft were the leading receivers at the position with 261 yards and 173 yards, respectively.

Upgrading the weapons around Zach Wilson is imperative to help him develop. He played better the second half of the season, but the best way to see him improve is by upgrading the weapons around him.

Now, it would be a long shot for the Jets to land Rob Gronkowski, but they can offer him as much money as any team if that is what he is truly interested in. Money talks and the Jets can certainly spend lavishly this offseason. But, that is the best offer New York has, as they are not close to contending for a Super Bowl, which could be what draws Gronkowski the most.

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers had veteran Jared Cook as their starting tight end in 2021. He is now hitting free agency at 35-years old off a one-year deal and Los Angeles will be in the market for a replacement.

This could be an intriguing landing spot for Rob Gronkowski as the Chargers have one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL in Justin Herbert. Going from Tom Brady to Herbert is something any pass-catcher would love.

Gronkowski has lost a step or two, but he can still stretch the field up the middle, something the Chargers could certainly use. He is still very difficult to stop given his sheer size and ability to bully opponents in the red zone makes him a great replacement, especially if Mike Williams leaves in free agency.

2. Tennessee Titans

There may not be a team in the NFL this offseason that needs a tight end more than the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee had three players play a majority of the snaps at the position in Anthony Firkser, Geoff Swaim and MyCole Pruitt.

All three players are heading into free agency and it wouldn’t be a surprise if none of them come back. That trio combined to finish 24th out of 32 tight end groups in the NFL based on PFF grades.

Rob Gronkowski would present a huge upgrade on those three. The Titans finished first place in the AFC this season, so it could be a perfect match as Gronkowski would have a big role and have a chance to contend for another Super Bowl title.

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If Rob Gronkowski decides to continue his career, it will most likely be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They know how to use him and could convince him to return even without Tom Brady under center.

That could be enough to convince Gronkowski to come back, as he knows what he would be getting into with the Buccaneers’ offense led by Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich. They utilize Gronkowski perfectly.

He excels in multiple tight end sets, play actions and working the middle of the field. That is a staple of the Buccaneers’ offense, as they also utilize him as a red-zone weapon opposite of Mike Evans for a dynamic duo that opponents struggle to slow down near the end zone.