Could Rob Gronkowski win NFL Comeback Player of the Year? Bucs TE is current favorite

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Rob Gronkowski hasn't played football in over a year. Can he really come out of retirement amid a global pandemic and find success with a brand new team?

The oddsmakers seem to think so.

The Buccaneers tight end, whom the New England Patriots traded to Tampa Bay in late April, is the current favorite to win the 2020 NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Here are DK's odds:

Rob Gronkowski +300
Ben Roethlisberger +400
Alex Smith +700
Matthew Stafford +700
J.J. Watt +700
Derwin James +1200
A.J. Green +1400

Other notable long shots include ex-Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown (+2000), free-agent quarterback Cam Newton (+2000), and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who perplexingly is listed at +3300 despite being a rookie.

It's easy to see why Gronkowski is the favorite: He still was a productive tight end when he retired after the 2018 season and is reunited with ex-Patriots QB Tom Brady, who targeted the All-Pro 72 times in 2018. If Gronk plays most or all of the 2020 season and puts up Gronk-like numbers, this award should be his.

It wouldn't be the first time he's won the award, either: Gronkowski earned Comeback Player of the Year with New England in 2014, posting an incredible 1,124 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns after a torn MCL and ACL ended his 2013 campaign.

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We doubt Gronk will reach those numbers during his age-31 season, but he could still join Chad Pennington as the only other player to win Comeback Player of the Year twice.

But do Patriots fans want Gronk and Brady to succeed after seeking greener pastures in Tampa? That's a matter of fierce debate.

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