Report: Kyle Rudolph Interested In Joining Tight End-Needy Patriots

The New England Patriots need several players to fill up the empty spots on their roster. The team needs tight ends, quarterbacks, linebackers… Wide receivers, too. Kyle Rudolph is a good fit for the team, and he may be interested in joining the Patriots.

Rudolph is a free agent and he has shown great interest in the team led by head coach Bill Belichick.

Kyle Rudolph may be joining the Patriots

The Minnesota Vikings released the tight end after 10 seasons with the team. New England needs tight ends, and this creates a perfect opportunity for former Vikings player. Most experts would agree that tight end is one of the Patriots’ biggest needs in the offseason.

New England has shown great interest in the veteran in the past. They tried to trade for him two years ago.

The 31-year-old was able to catch 28 passes for 334 yards and one touchdown in 12 games in 2020. Rudolph is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He is also an effective in-line blocker, measuring at 6-foot-6, 265 pounds.

2016 was Rusolph’s best season. He was able to catch 83 passes for 840 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2018, Rudolph caught 64 oasses for 634 yards and four touchdowns. In 2019, he had 39 passes for 367 yards and six touchdowns in 2019.

New England has 2020 third-round picks Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene. Veteran options Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse are also part of the roster. The Patriots may add to their tight end group in free agency. They can also trade for a player or select one in the NFL draft.

In 2020, Patriots tight ends caught 18 passes for 254 yards and zero touchdowns. Fifty of these yards happened on one deep completion from veteran quarterback Cam Newton to Izzo on a failed Hail Marry attempt.

Rudolph can sign a deal before free agency. Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Gerald Everett and Dan Arnold are also set to enter the open market.

Rudolph is an ideal bridge option for the Patriots. Asiasi and Keene will have to earn their spot on the roster.