Early 2021 NFL free agency rankings: George Kittle headlines top 70 players

50. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After a year away from football, Gronkowski announced his return once Tom Brady signed with the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay then orchestrated a trade with New England to reunite Brady and the dominant tight end. At 31 years old and coming off a season spent in retirement, I’m not sure what we can expect from Gronkowski this season.

Gronkowski joins a team that already features Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard at tight end. Throw in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and you’re looking at some incredible firepower. However, that also raises the question about what Gronkowski’s role on this dominant unit is. Should we expect another Pro Bowl season, or is he playing on a snap count?

There’s always a chance Gronkowski retires again following this coming season. I don’t think he wants to play with anyone other than Brady. There’s also the chance he signs a cheaper, one-year deal to remain in Tampa Bay.

While Gronkowski’s previous accomplishments assert that he deserves a higher ranking, there are too many unanswered questions with the future Hall of Fame tight end.

49. Phillip Lindsay, RB (RFA), Denver Broncos

Lindsay went undrafted out of Colorado in 2018, and the Broncos signed him to a three-year deal. Despite making the Pro Bowl as a rookie and rushing for 2,048 yards and 16 touchdowns during his first two seasons, Lindsay only makes $755 thousand this season. He might not have a big year either, considering the team signed Melvin Gordon to a two-year deal worth $16 million.

Ordinarily, teams love finding undrafted gems and fight to keep them around. However, the Broncos might not match the offer sheet Lindsay signs next offseason. The 26-year-old running back deserves a massive pay raise, and the Broncos seem committed to Gordon.

With Royce Freeman under contract through the 2021 season, Denver has depth at running back. That makes it highly unlikely the Broncos spend any serious money on Lindsay next year. Some teams probably view the Colorado product as a valuable starter and will treat him better than head coach Vic Fangio.