A couple of days ago, former Minnesota Vikings & New York Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph signed a one year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rudolph’s signing with the Buccaneers gives quarterback Tom Brady another experienced tight end to throw the ball to after Rob Gronkowski’s retirement. The only other tight ends on the roster with experience are Cam Brate and Codey McElroy. Brate is another seasoned tight end being in Tampa being with the team since 2014. McElroy has only played in one game in his career.

Rudolph spent the first ten years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He then transitioned to New York to play for the Giants for one year in 2021. Unfortunately, the Giants released Rudolph after a year. The release made Rudolph a free agent heading into this year. Rudolph has made two pro bowls in 2012 and 2017. In Minnesota, Rudolph recorded 453 receptions for 4,488 yards and 48 touchdowns. In one year with the Giants, Rudolph had 26 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown averaging 2.9 yards per separation. 

Rudolph’s signing with the Buccaneers helps fill the void left by Gronkowski in the tight end room as well as add a weapon to the already loaded offense. Cam Brate is the expected starting tight end but Rudolph will receive targets as well. Rudolph is playing in his 12th season in the NFL and he has yet to win a Super Bowl. Joining Tom Brady and the Buccaneers will boost his chances of winning tremendously. It still is yet to be seen how the team will perform but the additions of Rudolph and wide receiver Russell Gage adds great momentum. We will see if it all comes together for the Bucs starting September 11th against the Cowboys.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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