Broncos Trade Vaughn for Chris Gronkowski

Gronkowski seen during his rookie season in 2010. (Image courtesy of Ian Halperin/UPI)

The Denver Broncos yet again have a member of the Gronkowksi family.  On Wednesday, the Broncos acquired Indianapolis Colts fullback/tight end Chris Gronkowski in exchange for cornerback Cassius Vaughn, the team announced.

“We have a lot of depth in our secondary and this was an opportunity for us to add a quality fullback to our roster,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway explained.

Denver’s acquisitions of cornerbacks Tracy Porter, Drayton Florence and Omar Bolden during the offseason made Vaughn–who signed with the team in 2010 as an undrafted college free agent–an expendable defensive back.  Porter, Florence, Bolden and second-year corner Chris Harris will now compete for playing time across from Champ Bailey.

Gronkowski, the brother of Dan (Cleveland) and Rob (New England), hails from the Gronk family and originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2010 as an undrafted college free agent.  Last September, the Colts acquired Gronkowski off waivers.

Over the past two seasons, Gronkowski has played in 21 games (with seven starts) and rushed five times for 17 yards and caught seven passes for 35 yards and a score.  Gronkowski joins Austin Sylvester as the two fullbacks currently on Denver’s roster.

If Tom Brady has a Gronk then I guess it’s only fair that Peyton Manning gets a Gronk, too.