All-Pro nod pays for Gronk
PATRIOTS NOTEBOOK
Tight end Rob Gronkowski got paid after all. As it turned out, the final $2 million bonus was never even in doubt.
Gronkowski was named a first team All-Pro for the fourth time in his career to earn his full $10.75 million incentive-based salary this season. He received 40-of50 votes, with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce garnering the other 10.
For the first time in his career, Gronkowski wasn’t targeted Sunday in the regular-season finale, so he fell short of his statistical benchmarks for the incentives. He finished with 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns, but needed either 80 catches, 1,200 yards or 14 touchdowns to lock in the final roster bonus. He instead earned that with the AllPro selection.
“Thank you, voters!” Gronkowski tweeted. “Hard work and working smarter is paying off !!!! ”
Quarterback Tom Brady was the Patriots’ only other first team All-Pro, and he also earned it decisively with 47-of-50 votes.
This could be a strong sign for his MVP bid, which is awarded by the same 50 voters on the eve of the Super Bowl. Brady’s chief competition could be Rams running back Todd Gurley, who earned 46 All-Pro votes for his position, but quarterbacks have won nine of the last 10 MVP awards.
Special teamer Matthew Slater, who is a Pro Bowler for the seventh consecutive season, was selected as a second team All-Pro with six votes despite missing seven games.
Safety Devin McCourty (one vote) and kicker Stephen Gostkowski (three) were the only other Patriots to receive votes. Gronkowski also earned two votes for the offensive flex position.
Giant steps
The Giants were in Foxboro yesterday to interview Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in successive meetings.
McDaniels, Patricia and linebackers coach Brian Flores are expected to conduct a combined seven interviews by the end of the weekend. McDaniels scheduled meetings with the Giants, Bears and Colts. Patricia set up interviews with the Giants, Lions and Cardinals, and Flores was also set to meet with the Cardinals.