3 Buccaneers Who Must Step Up After Rob Gronkowski’s Retirement
It’s official – Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski has retired from the NFL – again.
He had seemingly wavered on whether to return for the 2022 season, but now, barring a change of heart later on, he will not be on the field this year.
It may not be a huge blow to Tampa Bay’s hopes of winning its second Super Bowl in three years, but it’s a blow nonetheless, as Gronkowski’s size and athleticism made him a huge target for Tom Brady, especially in red-zone situations.
Luckily, the Buccaneers still have a stacked roster, especially on the offensive side of the football, and if these three players pick up the slack, they could be playing for the world championship this winter in Arizona.
3. Mike Evans
Mike Evans has been one of Tampa Bay’s best and most reliable weapons on offense ever since it drafted him with the seventh pick in 2014.
Like Gronkowski, Evans possesses enviable size, as he stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 231 pounds.
He has earned four trips to the Pro Bowl in his eight-year career, and last year he gave the Buccaneers 1,035 yards and 14 touchdowns.
In fact, Evans may be a little underappreciated, especially when fans and experts discuss the top wide receivers in pro football.
