BY NICK ST. DENIS
Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the NFL in every way, and by a mile. So the Patriots are paying him that way.
Gronkowski, who set a pair of important NFL records for his position last season, reportedly agreed to a six-year contract extension with the Patriots worth $54 million, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The 23-year-old was slated to make salaries of $540,000 and $575,000 in 2012 and 2013, respectively. His new deal reportedly comes with an $8 million signing bonus, and his contract is now eight years, obviously including the last two.
Gronkowski's 17 receiving touchdowns and 1,327 yards receiving last season were both NFL records. He also scored a "rushing" touchdown on a pass that didn't go forward.
Additionally, Gronkowski has the size, power and ability to be a much-better-than-average run blocker, which makes him even more valuable to the Patriots' offense. He caught 10 touchdowns during his rookie season in 2010.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
