Minnesota Vikings Sign TE Kyle Rudolph To A 5 Year Extension

The Minnesota Vikings didn’t waste any time locking down former second round draft pick Kyle Rudolph.

It was announced late on Sunday, July 27th that the team has signed the former Pro Bowl MVP to a 5 year extension worth $36.5 million dollars.

Here is the tweet from the official Minnesota Vikings Twitter account:

The news doesn’t come as much of a surprise considering how much the tight end position is utilized in new offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s offenses.  The fact that they were able to lock him down for approximately $7.3 million per year isn’t a surprise.  They want to surround the quarterbacks with as many great weapons as possible.

Nov 3, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end coach Jimmie Johnson talks with tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

When healthy, Kyle Rudolph is one heck of a threat in both the vertical passing game and in the end zone.  Some may think that the Vikings overpaid for him, but if he plays at an extremely high level over the next couple years, this could be a bargain.  With a more stable offense around him and if he can stay healthy, Rudolph looks poised to have a breakout year this year and could make a huge impact on this team.

It’s great to see that Kyle Rudolph and the Minnesota Vikings were able to get together and get a deal done early in the preseason so it wasn’t a distraction going into the regular season.  Congratulations to both the Minnesota Vikings and Kyle Rudolph on getting this agreement made and making it official as soon as possible,