Rob Gronkowski will be sticking around in New England for a while longer.

‘Gronk’ signed a 6-year $54 million contract extension with the Patriots today, making him the highest paid tight end in NFL history – at just 23-years-old.  

After catching 90 passes for 1,327 yards and 17 touchdowns, rushing for another score, and settling a couple NFL records along the way, ‘Gronk’ and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, were able to get some long term security from the Patriots.  

The contract, if all options are exercised, will add six years to the two currently left on his rookie deal, making Gronkowski a free agent after the 2019 season, when he’ll be just 31-years-old.  

After an offseason dominated by the contract situation with star receiver Wes Welker, the Patriots locked up arguably their second most important offensive player, behind future Hall of Famer Tom Brady.  

From the team’s perspective, locking up ‘Gronk’ now only makes sense, because they’re able to set the market rather than be held hostage by another team setting the market for premier tight ends (Saints tight end Jimmy Graham’s next contract comes to mind).  

My only question is if ‘Gronk’ spiked something – anything – after signing his record-breaking deal.