The Buccaneers have apparently responded with “I’m done playing, I’ll say it.”
Veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph has signed a one-year deal with the Buccaneers, according to ESPN.
Rudolph, who spent 10 years with the Vikings before one year with the Giants, becomes a veteran replacement for Rob Gronkowski, who has repeatedly said his career is over — even by those close to him (Including his agent and girlfriend) do not buy.
A two-time Pro Bowler and 2017 Minnesota team captain, Rudolph has 479 career regular-season catches for 4,475 yards and 49 touchdowns entering the Super Bowl. His most productive year came in 2016 with 83 catches for 840 yards. In his lone season in New York, Rudolph had 26 receptions for 257 yards and a touchdown.
senior Cameron Pratt Expected starter, but Rudolph should get plenty of chances, especially if Gronk isn’t back.
Rudolph, 32, entered the league in 2011, a year after Gronkowski. The terms of the deal, which have not yet been leaked, will go a long way toward determining whether Rudolph is a lock for the 53-man roster or if he earns a job in August.
Regardless, the move should be seen as further evidence that Gronkowski won’t be returning to Tampa in 2022. Whether he joins Brady in 2023 if/when he plays for another team remains to be seen.
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