Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) catches a pass as Carolina Panthers safety Quintin Mikell (27) tackles him in the second quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Panthers win 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph is entering his contract year with the team. Many players take that opportunity to try to have a great season to increase their value. Instead, Rudolph wants the Vikings to lock him up to a long term deal.
Oct 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) against the Tennessee Titans at the Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Titans 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The fact that Kyle Rudolph wants an extension as soon as possible is a fantastic sign for the Vikings. As a former second round draft pick, Rudolph has shown to be a valuable asset as a receiver that has a ton of potential. Sadly, he has been playing with sub-par quarterbacks and an offensive coordinator that lacked creativity.
Rudolph is set to turn things around with Norv Turner taking over and the team looking for stability this year with either Matt Cassel or an early draft pick at the helm.
"“It’s something that I really want to do,” Rudolph said. “I’ve been extremely happy here in Minnesota. … I truly feel like we have the best organization in football, and I’d love to play my whole career here. I love the area, and I want to stay here. Hopefully, that’s something we can get done this offseason.”"
Vikings fans should be happy to hear that a player wants to stay and be a part of the future of the franchise.