Former New England Patriots All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski is returning to the NFL and reuniting with quarterback Tom Brady.

Gronkowski, a former Woodland Hills gridder, announced his retirement from pro football after the 2018 season, but has always left the door open for a possible return. ESPN and NFL Network first reported Tuesday that Gronkowski informed the Patriots of his interest to return and play with Brady and Tampa Bay.

The networks reported that the Patriots are trading Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round draft choice to Tampa Bay for a fourth-round pick. The NFL draft begins Thursday.

Gronkowski has a year remaining on his contract ith the Patriots, who still own his rights. He would have cost cap-strapped New England $21 million against the salatry cap this season.

Gronkowski, 30, had 47 catches for 682 yards and three touchdowns with the Patriots in 2018. He was plagued by back problems in his last few NFL seasons.

Recently making appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment, Gronkowski was part of WWE’s Wrestlemania production earlier this month.

Gronkowski’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told ESPN that “pending the physical, Rob has agreed to play for Tampa this season.”