Belichick knew Rob Gronkowski ‘was a shell of himself’: ex-Patriot

Former Patriots offensive lineman Damien Woody believes his old team may have buyer’s remorse about Rob Gronkowski this season.

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Woody, 41, who played for New England from 1999 to 2003, addressed the would-be blockbuster trade the Patriots contemplated earlier this year, which involved shipping the Pro Bowl tight end to Detroit. Gronkowski threatened retirement, blowing up the potential deal.

“Remember when Bill tried to trade Gronk to Detroit this past offseason? He knew that Gronk was a shell of himself,” Woody, now an ESPN analyst, tweeted a day after the Patriots’ 17-10 loss to the Steelers.

Gronkowski had two receptions for 21 yards and zero touchdowns during Sunday’s outing. He has scored three touchdowns this season and has failed to create the separation that Tom Brady is accustomed to, as he has struggled through back and ankle issues.

Woody, also a former Jet, then added his insight into the inner workings of coach Bill Belichick, tweeting: “Bill likes to get rid of guys early than late. He sees him a lot more than any of us so Bill clearly knew what’s up.”

Following New England’s loss in Super Bowl LII back in February, Gronkowski pondered hanging up his cleats for good. He made it clear to the Patriots’ brain trust he only wanted to catch balls from Brady.

Though the Patriots remain in first place in the AFC East, they’ve dropped their last two games, including a last-minute blunder — which also involved Gronkowski — against the Dolphins on Dec. 9.

Before the season, the Patriots reworked Gronkowski’s contract, adding $4.3 million in incentives, including $1 million in per-game roster bonuses, per ESPN.