Rob Gronkowski wants to return to Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021

Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Five-time Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski said Sunday that he wants to return to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2021 season.

"Yeah, you got to," Gronkowski said in an interview with former NFL linebacker Willie McGinest before Sunday's divisional-round playoff game against the New Orleans Saints. "I feel like this team was built to win right now. It was put together this year to win right now. It always pops up in your mind; you're thinking about the future a little bit.

"I can definitely see this team also having a lot of talent come back and having another successful run next year, as well, with me."

The 31-year-old Gronkowski, who came out of retirement to play with former New England Patriots teammate Tom Brady this season, previously said he was unsure whether he would play another year.

The Buccaneers have multiple key players set to become unrestricted free agents after the 2020-21 campaign, including Gronkowski, Antonio Brown, Leonard Fournette, Shaq Barrett, Lavonte David and Ndamukong Suh. As of now, Tampa Bay will have about $30 million in salary-cap space in the upcoming off-season.

In 16 regular-season games this year, Gronkowski recorded 45 catches for 623 yards and seven touchdowns.