Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Rob Ninkovich made a bold prediction when he indicated that the Dolphins will end up signing free agent tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Ninkovich, now an ESPN NFL analyst, made the statement (at the 16-second mark) on the network’s “Get Up” program, while also indicating that the Dolphins would trade for disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.
I found this GET UP conversation a little bit odd, but who doesn’t love the Dolphins being talked about for two superstars.
Everybody wanna be in Miami now? pic.twitter.com/82xwmXL86a
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) February 15, 2021
“So I think he’s (Gronkowski) gonna stay in Florida, but he’s gonna go to the Miami Dolphins,” Ninkovic said. “He’s got a place in Miami. It’s a great spot for him. No state income tax, he’s gonna stay in that category, and I think Deshaun Watson is gonna be his quarterback.”
The 31-year-old Gronkowski came out of retirement this past season to join quarterback Tom Brady on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with the duo helping to lead the Bucs to their second Super Bowl title.
In that Super Bowl, Gronkowski delivered in the clutch with six catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns in the Buccaneers’ 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Of course, Ninkovich is paid to offer bold statements, and there’s no indication that he has any special insight into the Dolphins’ plans during free agency.
The Dolphins currently have Mike Gesicki as their starting tight end, who is signed through the 2021 season. During the 2020 campaign, Gesicki caught 53 passes for 703 yards and six touchdowns.
Gronkowski did have injury problems during his time with the New England Patriots and is at an age where he may be more vulnerable to additional injuries if he did sign with the Dolphins.
Regarding the other prediction offered by Ninkovich about Watson, the Dolphins have previously indicated that Tua Tagovailoa is the team’s quarterback of the future.
While that mindset about Tagovailoa could change, acquiring Watson would come at a steep cost in the form of high draft picks as well as Tagovailoa.
At present, Ninkovich’s comments should be taken with a grain of salt until more credible information beyond speculation is delivered.
