After 10 seasons with NFC North franchise Minnesota Vikings, experienced tight end Kyle Rudolph was released on Wednesday. Despite signing a 4-year contract extension worth $36 million in 2019, the Vikings opted to part ways with their seasoned star.
Rudolph was a fan favorite in Minneapolis. He also made the Pro Bowl on 2 occasions, in 2012 and 2017. He featured in 12 games for the Vikings last season, with 334 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
But in light of recent events, the former Notre Dame player will enter free agency this summer. A number of teams are keeping a close eye on Rudolph’s availability. The Bill Belichick-coached New England Patriots are one of those.
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Will the Patriots sign Kyle Rudolph ahead of the 2021 NFL season?
Kyle Rudolph’s final stats as a Minnesota Viking (including playoffs):
146 games
469 receptions
4642 yards
50 TDsThanks for the memories, Rudy. pic.twitter.com/AaQsONDfLF
— Jared Barsness (@JaredBarsNFL) March 2, 2021
Kyle Rudolph was a 2nd-round pick (43rd overall) by the Minnesota Vikings back in 2011. His best season in the NFL came in 2016 when he caught 83 passes for 840 yards with 7 receiving touchdowns.
He caught 64 passes for 634 yards with 4 receiving TDs and 39 passes for 367 yards, 6 receiving TDs in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Coach Belichick currently has 2020 3rd-round picks Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene and veteran players Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse as the only available tight ends on their 90-man roster. They are in need of an explosive player at that position, and Rudolph fits the bill.
For the Patriots, who have a notable need at tight end, Kyle Rudolph is now added to the list of possibilities. Coming off a 28-334-1 season as a pass-catcher. A favorite of former Patriots OC Charlie Weis. https://t.co/sDEnYloZtB
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) March 2, 2021
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The Ohio-born athlete turns 32 in November but could still offer a good 2-3 years playing at the top level. Granted, his offensive output has reduced in recent years. But he is still better than any of the four TEs on the current Patriots’ roster.
Rudolph is free to sign with a team prior to the start of free agency on March 17th and is bound to have a long list of suitors vying for his signature.
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The Patriots have enough cap space to offer the seasoned NFL star a 2-3 year deal. Other potential free agents whom New England are currently looking at include, Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Gerald Everett, and Dan Arnold.
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