Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans believed quarterback Tom Brady was pulling his legs when he stated that he would be returning to the team following a short retirement. However, Evans’s view has not changed on Rob Gronkowski’s plans for this year as tight end.

Gronkowski announced his retirement recently. His agent and others believe that Gronkowski’s time as an retiree may be shorter than Brady’s. Evans was asked by Ari Alexander, KPRC, if Evans agrees with that view.

Evans stated that he is hopeful that Gronkowski will be on the same field as him again this year. However, he does not believe that that’s how it will play out.

“I hope he returns. Evans stated that Tom and Gronk are always in your back pocket. I wouldn’t be mad to see him come back. He’d be a great addition to my team, and I would be thrilled if he returned. But I feel like he’s finished. He is a tight end player and gives it his all. He gives it all, works hard, takes many shots, blocks, and chases the catch. His body takes quite a beating. I have seen him after some of those games and I can see why.

Evans stated that losing “the best tight end of all time” hurts the offense and suggested that he and others would pick up the pieces if Gronkowski decides to stay on the sidelines.