Add another name to the list of potential tight end targets for the Patriots.
Kyle Rudolph was released by the Vikings on Tuesday afternoon, marking the end of a 10-year run in Minnesota. The 31-year-old was due cap hits of $9.4 million, $10.3 million, and $11.7 million over the next three seasons, and with the Vikings over the salary cap, they agreed to park ways.
It’d be a surprise to see him land a $30 million deal on the free agent market.
A Pro Bowler back in 2012, Rudolph is coming off a quiet season. He appeared in 12 games, catching 28 passes for 334 yards, but remains a capable blocker. He’d still immediately slot in as the No. 1 tight end on the Patriots roster.
“My career is my career, and I’m really excited about whatever is around the corner,” Rudolph wrote in the Players Tribune. “I think I have a lot of good football still to play — and the fire inside of me to win a Super Bowl is burning as strong as ever. That’s the one big goal I have left.”
The Patriots have a serious need at his position. For two seasons in a row, they’ve gotten next to nothing from their tight ends. They simply weren’t ready for Rob Gronkowski’s retirement and haven’t been able to fill his hulking void.
For an immediate fix, free agency makes the most sense. If Hunter Henry or Jonnu Smith make it to March without being franchise tagged, there could be game-changers available. Even the second-tier options — Gerald Everett, Jared Cook, Tyler Eifert — would represent significant upgrades at the position. At this stage in his career, that’s likely where Rudolph would slot in, too.
However you look at it, a deepening free agent class is good news for New England.
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