Rob Gronkowski Announces Free Agency Decision

Rob Gronkowski is staying in Tampa Bay.

The four-time Super Bowl champion confirmed reports that he's re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday (March 15) with a gif of Painty the Pirate from 'SpongeBob Squarepants' quote-tweeting the NFL's official Twitter account breaking news of his return.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Gronkowski and the Buccaneers agreed to a 1-year, $10 million contract, according to Gronkowski's agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

The veteran tight end was among several players from the Buccaneers' recent Super Bowl team to hit the free agent market this month, which also includes defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, wide receiver Antonio Brown, kicker Ryan Succop and running back Leonard Fournette, among others.

On Monday, Tampa Bay re-signed star pass-rusher Shaquil Barrett to a four-year deal worth up to $72 million contract, which was confirmed by Rosenhaus, who also represents Barrett, to ESPN.

The Bucs also agreed to a new four-year contract with quarterback Tom Brady, which voids to a one-year extension, guaranteeing his services through at least the 2022 season, last week.

True to form, both Brady and Gronkowski enjoyed record-setting performances during Super Bowl LV.

Brady finished Sunday's game with 201 yards and three touchdowns on 21 of 29 passing, winning a record fifth Super Bowl MVP Award, which surpassed his own previous record set in Super Bowl LI (2017.)

Gronkowski led the Buccaneers with six receptions for 67 yards and two touchdowns, the first of which set a new NFL record for most postseason touchdowns by a duo, as the 13th between himself and Brady during their lengthy run as teammates.

Brady and Gronkowski, who had previously appeared in five Super Bowls together prior to Sunday's game, connected on an 8-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, which surpassed former San Francisco 49ers Joe Montana and Jerry Rice's previous record of 12.

Brady later connected with Gronkowski on a 17-yard touchdown with 6:05 remaining in the second quarter to extend the Bucs' lead to 14-3 and set the new record at 14 touchdowns.

The duo has now won four Super Bowls together, while Brady -- who won his record-setting fifth Super Bowl MVP on Sunday -- has won seven all-time, the most by an NFL quarterback.

Brady and Gronkowski had previously spent their entire careers on the Patriots prior to reuniting with the Bucs this past offseason.

Photo: Getty Images