In perhaps the biggest no-brainer in NFL history, the Patriots Monday picked up Rob Gronkowski’s $10 million contract option, keeping the All-Pro tight end in New England at least through 2019.
The team had until Wednesday to exercise the move, which a league source confirmed.
Gronkowski received a $4 million of the bonus last August. He signed his current six-year, $54 million deal in 2012.
Gronkowski, 26, is coming off another stellar season in which he collected 72 catches for 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added another 15 catches for 227 yards and 3 TDs in two playoff games.
For his career, Gronkowski has 380 catches for 5,555 yards and 65 TDs in 80 games. In 10 postseason games, he has 52 catches for 754 yards and 9 TDs.
The 6-foot-6-inch, 265-pound Gronkowski missed one game last season after suffering a knee sprain/bone bruise against the Broncos Nov. 29. He dealt with knee and back ailments in the postseason but didn’t miss any time. He suffered from dehydration in the AFC Championship game, also in Denver, but still had eight catches for 144 yards and TD in that game.
Develin close to deal
Fullback James Develin is close to a contract extension, according to a league source. The exclusive-rights free agent missed last season after breaking his tibia in the third exhibition game at Carolina.
Develin, a standout defensive lineman at Brown, spent two years on the Bengals’ practice squad before landing in New England in 2012 and carving out niche as a solid blocker who could chip in with an occasional carry and reception. His presence at the point of attack was missed last season
Tender moments
According to a league source, the Patriots will tender a contract to cornerback Justin Coleman, who had a solid season after the undrafted rookie bounced between three organizations before earning a permanent spot in New England. The Tennessee product was originally signed by the Vikings before being released in late August. He was signed by the Patriots Sept. 4, but released a day later. He signed with the Seahawks’ practice squad Sept.?8 before the Patriots re-signed him a day later. Coleman played in 10 games with two starts as New England’s third cornerback and also played in both postseason games. He missed time with a wrist/hand injury and also suffered a concussion late in the season . . . Brandon King, who has been listed as a safety and linebacker but excelled as a special teams player, is expected to be tendered a contract by the team. King was exceptional as a gunner opposite Matthew Slater, the gold standard at the position. King signed as an undrafted rookie last May 8.
Mankins retiring
Perennial Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins announced his retirement after an 11-year career, the first nine in New England and the last two in Tampa Bay. Mankins was a seven-time Pro Bowler, including six times as a Patriot. “It’s always difficult losing a player of Logan’s caliber, both on the field and in the locker room,’’ said Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, the former Patriots front office staffer. “He is one of the toughest, most intelligent, and skilled players at his position that I have seen in my years around this game.’’ After the Patriots traded Mankins on the eve of the 2014 season, Bill Belichick said it was “one of the most difficult [decisions] we will ever make.’’
Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeJimMcBride.