Gronk misses start of Pats’ offseason workouts

New England tight end Rob Gronkowski was not in attendance when the Patriots’ offseason program began on Monday.

Gronkowski remains undecided about playing the upcoming season and has had “good communication” with the Patriots, a source told ESPN.

Gronkowski’s contract reportedly contains a $250,000 workout bonus paid out based on attending a percentage of the voluntary workouts.

The star tight end likely was not the only big name absent Monday. Quarterback Tom Brady is on a business trip to Qatar.

The 2017 season was Gronkowski’s eighth in the NFL, all with New England. He made 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games last fall. For his career, Gronkowski has 474 catches and 76 touchdown receptions. He has not played a full season since 2011. Also, Miami Dolphins receiver Danny Amendola says his decision to leave New England as a free agent this offseason was made in part due to a much lesser contract offer from the Pats.

Amendola, who played for New England for five seasons, taking numerous pay cuts in that span, joined Miami on a two-year, $12 million deal with $8.25 million in bonuses and guarantees.

“I came in with an open mind,” Amendola told ESPN. “I understand Bill [Belichick] runs a tight ship, and he hasn’t been known to pay his players, really. When free agency broke, I came to the realization that he wasn’t going to really come close to any of the other offers I had. I had to make a decision for my family and go down to Miami and continue my career there.”

In other NFL news, Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Daryl Worley was arrested over the weekend near team facilities after police found him passed out in a vehicle blocking a highway, according to multiple media reports.

The reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles announced a few hours later that they had released Worley.

Worley allegedly became combative with police when roused around 6 a.m. and was tased before being taken into custody. A gun reportedly was recovered at the scene.

The Eagles traded receiver Torrey Smith to the Carolina Panthers for Worley in March.

Worley, 23, had two interceptions last season and has three in his two-year career. He started 25 games in his two seasons with the Panthers, who took him in the third round of the 2016 ESBGU PVU PG 8FTU 7JSHJOJB