Could the Denver Broncos be the next stop for one of the best tight ends in NFL history? News broke on Tuesday that Rob Gronkowski was considering an NFL return and fans of the Denver Broncos began to get excited when it was reported that Gronkowski could be coming to Denver. 

While taking part in this year’s scouting combine, Cecil Lammey of Denver Sports reported that Gronkowski is training for a return to the NFL, likes what he sees in Bo Nix and because of his past relationship with Sean Payton at FOX, the Broncos were floated as a likely landing spot for Gronk. 

Not so fast says Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.  

Nope. Nonsense. https://t.co/3lKzrPKStB

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2025

In two words, Rapoport, one of the more reliable sources around the league, has shut down the talks of a Gronkowski return. That doesn’t mean he’s right, but he has the status where his side will be taken by most.

It was a fun story while it lasted. The Broncos could use a tight end and even though Gronkowski hasn’t played since the 2021 season, he would still be the team’s starting tight end right now. 

One of the most athletically gifted tight ends to ever play in the league, Gronk is a sure-fire bet to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Two of his brothers — Dan and Chris Gronkowski — each played for the Broncos. That could have also factored into a potential decision for Rob. 

Instead, it seems like this was just a fun rumor. Gronkowski dealt with many injuries during his career and three years removed from the league, he wouldn’t have anything to prove in returning to the field. He won four Super Bowls, all with Tom Brady as his quarterback, and would likely just serve as a mentor to a younger tight end at this stage of his career. 

The Broncos would still need a young tight end, perhaps even with their first-round pick, even if they did sign Gronkowski. For now, it seems this rumor can be put to rest, but how fun would it be if Lammey’s original report proved to be true?

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