Patriots are re-signing Rob Gronkowski, but there's a catch

Rob Gronkowski is signing a new contract with the New England Patriots.

Just not the kind his biggest fans might have been hoping for.

The legendary tight end is set to sign a one-day contract with the Pats on Wednesday. It will allow him to officially retire from the NFL as a member of the New England Patriots.

MORE: Jaxson Dart's concussion trend points to a potential problem

Gronk hasn't played in the NFL since the 2021 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he has yet to officially retire.

He's been doing work for Fox Sports and getting involved in a number of other commercial ventures.

Now, he's decided to completely wrap up his NFL career.

He certainly is one of the best tight ends ever.

In his 11-year career, Gronk had 621 catches for 9,286 yards and 92 touchdowns.

He previously retired once before, not playing during the 2019 season, but then he joined Tom Brady with the Bucs for Gronk's final two campaigns.

Gronkowski won four Super Bowl rings, was a five-time Pro Bowler, made the Hall of Fame's All-2010s team, and was the 2014 Comeback Player of the Year.

Originally from Western New York, Gronkowski shone instead elsewhere in the AFC East as he became one of the most physically dominant offensive players ever.

Now, he'll get one more chance to be remembered for all that greatness as he hangs up his cleats for good.

More NFL news:

• Fans wonder if Kyler Murray will leave the NFL to play baseball
• Dan Campbell explains why he called plays for the Lions
• Patriots' Kyle Williams broke an NFL record, but TreVeyon Henderson then broke it again
• An NFL defensive tackle is leaving football to play pro lacrosse
• Jahmyr Gibbs has joined Barry Sanders in NFL history
• Keenan Allen sets an incredible record