Dan Gronkowski (left) Chris Gronkowski pose for a photo with a member of the military during the NFL players visit to Camp Atterbury. (Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE)

Fullback Chris Gronkowski found out that he was being traded to the Denver Broncos after an OTA in Indianapolis in May. The Indianapolis Colts were heavily using their two tight end package and Gronkowski knew his role was diminishing right before his very eyes.

That’s why when the deal that sent Cassius Vaughn to Indianapolis for Gronkowski went through, he was thrilled. The first person to call him was his brother, Dan, who played for the Broncos in 2010.

“I made sure I talked to him right away,” Chris Gronkowski said. “He told me he loved it here. He told me it’s a great place, and he’s happy that I came here. He was sad that he was gone.”

Of course Chris and Dan are the lesser known of the Gronkowski brothers. Rob is the star of the family on the field, and he’s the character off the field. So how does Chris compare to his brothers?

“I’d probably say I’m right in between them two. Dan’s real conservative, quiet. Just kind of stays to himself kind of deal. Doesn’t really go out on the media and go crazy like my younger brother, Rob. I think I’m right in between.”

Chris said that he’s excited to actually get the chance to play with Peyton Manning, block for Willis McGahee, and play with former Maryland teammate Lance Ball.

Chris will meet his brother, Rob, in week five when the Broncos travel to New England. Then he will meet Dan in week 16 when the Broncos host the Browns.

“Having three brothers in the league has been fun for the whole family. We’re trying to keep it going.”

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Chris Gronkowski against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE)

AFC rival Tom Brady has a Gronkowski so why shouldn’t  Peyton Manning have one too?

The Denver Broncos Wednesday morning traded cornerback Cassius Vaughn to the Indianapolis Colts for fullback Chris Gronkowski (Rob and Dan’s brother).

Gronkowski entered the league as an undrafted rookie in 2010 where he played for the Dallas Cowboys. There he had 5 carries for 17 yards, and 7 receptions for 35 yards in 14 games.

Gronkowski was then shipped to the Colts where he suited up in seven games, but did not record any carries or receptions. Of course, he missed playing with new teammate Manning in Indianapolis.

The Broncos needed to pick up a fullback since Spencer Larsen signed with the New England Patriots.

With the Broncos picking up Tracy Porter, Drayton Florence, and Omar Bolden this year, Vaughn was seen as expendable at corner. Vaughn had 20 tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown last season.

Chris Gronkowski is the second Gronkowski to suit up in orange and blue. His brother, Dan, was a tight end with the team in 2010.

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Daniel Fells tries to break a tackle against the Chargers. (Jake Roth-US PRESSWIRE)

We looked at free agent wide receivers, but what about free agent tight ends?

The tight end position was one of the most publicized positions in football in 2011. New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski led the league in touchdowns with 17. New Orleand Saints tight end Jimmy Graham was 4th on that list with 11 TDs. Gronkowski’s teammate Aaron Hernandez was another tight end who made headlines around the league. A dual tight end system? The Patriots were so successful because of it.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos used their tight ends primarily for blocking. Daniel Fells was the team’s leading tight end with 19 receptions for 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. Dante Rosario was second on the list with 7 receptions for 117 yards.

Yes, the Broncos weren’t considered a passing team, but most would agree that their tight ends were underutilized.

Let’s take a look at some of the tight ends who may become available in free agency.
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