There's a new tight end in Tampa Bay.
The Buccaneers are signing former Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants tight end Kyle Rudolph to a one-year deal, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday night.
The signing comes roughly a month after former Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement. Though speculation has abounded in regard to how long Gronk's retirement will stick, Rudolph's arrival would at least be a bridge until the future Hall of Famer possibly has a change of heart. It also gives the Bucs a veteran tight end with an impressive résumé and is an opportunity for Rudolph to revitalize his career.
Rudolph, 32, was a two-time Pro Bowler during a 10-season tenure with the Vikings from 2011-2020. He played the 2021 campaign with the Giants, but he was released this offseason in a cap-saving move.
After a decade in Minnesota, Rudolph had 453 receptions for 48 touchdowns and 4,488 yards. In his lone season with Big Blue, Rudolph played in 16 games with 13 starts, but was able to contribute just 26 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown.
Now, the 6-foot-6, 265-pound Rudolph will have a chance to connect with quarterback Tom Brady, who got the most out of the 6-6, 265-pound Gronk for 11 seasons. The Bucs' TE room now includes Rudolph, Cameron Brate, Codey McElroy and a slew of rookies, including fourth-round pick Cade Otton.
