Any chance Matt Patricia had a hard time coming up for a plan to stop Rob Gronkowski this weekend knowing that there was a chance the big tight end could've been playing for him in Detroit?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots and Lions were "deep into trade discussions" last offseason on a deal that would have sent Gronkowski to Detroit.
When Gronkowski caught wind of the deal, according to Schefter, he threatened to retire.
We know what happened next. The Patriots and Gronkowski got together -- a meeting that Schefter reported on after it happened -- and the All-Pro committed to the season just before the draft. In turn, it was understood that Gronkowski wouldn't be dealt.
Gronkowski is looking to get back on track against the Lions after catching two passes on four targets for 15 yards last week against the Jaguars. He popped up on the Patriots injury report Thursday but the ankle issue he dealt with was a minor one, and he is expected to be good to go Sunday night.