Former Ravens and Jets linebacker Bart Scott has said some memorable things about the Patriots over the years. Here’s a new one: The Pats won’t keep Rob Gronkowski for the long haul.
Appearing on CBS Sports Radio’s The DA Show, Scott said that the 27-year-old future Hall of Famer won’t last in New England because of his increasing injury concerns.
“Gronk’s on his way out (of New England),” Scott said. “Because of injuries, and they don’t stick with you when they see you slipping. Now, what happens when you have a big man that starts having back problems -- he’s only in his seventh year, and he has two years remaining. And guess what? They already brought in his replacement and they can get [Martellus Bennett] for cheaper.”
Host Damon Amendolara correctly pointed out that Bennett, 29, is older than Gronkowski.
“Don’t matter,” Scott replied. “Less wear and tear on the body.”
Gronkowski has played in eight of the Patriots’ 11 games this season. He has 25 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns. Should he keep up his current pace, this will mark just the second season of Gronkowski’s seven-year career in which he didn’t have at least 10 touchdowns. The lone other season which he didn’t hit double digits was in 2013, when he was limited to just seven games.