While Rob Gronkowski has *maybe* retired for real this time, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have added another very accomplished tight end for Tom Brady to throw passes to.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Buccaneers have signed veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph to a one-year contract.
Tom Brady has a new tight-end target in Tampa: Former Vikings’ and Giants’ veteran Kyle Rudolph is signing a one-year contact with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 21, 2022
Rudolph, 32, was a Pro Bowl selection twice over 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings from 2011-20. In 2021, Rudolph played for the New York Giants and had 26 receptions for 257 yards (9.9 AVG) and one touchdown.
The 6’6″, 265-pounder isn’t quite the weapon he once was, but he should provide a solid red-zone target for Brady. And that could prove to be a very valuable addition for Tampa Bay with the loss of Gronkowski and O.J. Howard (signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency).
Rudolph will likely compete for tight-end snaps with Cameron Brate (30 receptions, four touchdowns in 2021), but they should each play a prominent role — especially in the red zone — for Tampa Bay.
