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Rob Gronkowski's latest social media dispatch is sure to ease the minds of Patriots fans.
The All-Pro tight end cleared the air and ended any speculation about his immediate future with an Instagram post Tuesday afternoon.
"I met with coach today and informed him I will be back for the 2018 season with the Pats,'' Gronkowski wrote. "I have been working out, staying in shape and feel great. Looking forward to another championship run.''
Gronkowski added #bandsamakeherdance at the end of the post, which also included an old picture of the tight end in uniform showing off his biceps.
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The hashtag is a Juicy J song that Gronkowski has previously referenced on social media.
Gronkowski's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, also was at the meeting and he told ESPN "it was very positive and Rob is committed.'' ESPN reported Gronkowski will not be traded this season.
The timing of Gronkowski's declaration is important because it gives the team some clarity on the position just two days before the NFL Draft.
It also comes just a day after Tom Brady's agent, Don Yee, said the quarterback will be back under center as well.
Shortly after the tight end's post, the Patriots tweeted a GIF of Gronkowski celebrating a catch with the caption "mood.''
Mood.gif pic.twitter.com/nR5vMVz1jc
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 24, 2018
Gronkowski had been noncommittal about returning next season ever since the Patriots fell to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII in February.
At the time he said he was going to take "the next couple of weeks" to mull his options.
Just last weekend, Gronkowski would say only "maybe" when asked if he was coming back.
It's unknown if contract talks were a part of Tuesday's meeting.
Gronkowski has two years left on his current deal that includes a $10.9 million cap hit this season and a $12 million hit in 2019.
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Gronkowski is coming off a dominant season in which he led the Patriots with 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and 8 touchdowns.
The Patriots have four other tight ends under contract: Dwayne Allen, Jacob Hollister, Troy Niklas, and Will Tye.
. . .
The Patriots officially announced the signing of offensive tackle Ulrick John.
The 6-foot-6-inch, 309-pounder is a four-year veteran with 10 games (three starts) of experience under his belt.
He joins a crowded field that includes Marcus Cannon, LaAdrian Waddle, Cole Croston, Antonio Garcia, and Andrew Jelks.