Kyle Rudolph would reportedly ‘love’ to play for AFC North team
By Adam Patrick
Former Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph is reportedly interested in signing with the Cleveland Browns.
Unlike some of the other members of the Minnesota Vikings 2020 roster that will be looking for new jobs this offseason, Kyle Rudolph doesn’t have to wait to sign with a team until March 17 for free agency to officially kick off since he was let go with multiple years remaining on his contract.
There are a number of teams that could be interested in adding Rudolph to their tight end room for the 2021 season.
One organization that the former Vikings pass-catcher is reportedly interested in joining this year is a place where a former Minnesota offensive coordinator is currently the head coach.
Reuniting with former Minnesota Vikings play-caller reportedly intrigues Kyle Rudolph.
With Kevin Stefanski currently in charge of the Cleveland Browns, the connection between former Vikings players and the team from the AFC North is always going to exist.
For Rudolph, he apparently would “love,” to reunite with Stefanski and sign a deal to play for the Browns next season, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
Cleveland currently has five tight ends under contract for the 2021 season, with Austin Hooper and David Njoku set to account for a combined cap hit of more than $14 million.
So tight end is not a desperate need for the Browns this year. But Cabot mentioned that Rudolph could be someone Cleveland pursues if they choose to end their relationship with Njoku this offseason.
After the Browns selected him in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Njoku hasn’t really been able to produce at a high level. In his last two seasons, he’s caught a total of 24 passes for just 254 yards and three touchdowns.
If Stefanski feels like Rudolph would be a better fit for Cleveland’s offense than Njoku, then it wouldn’t be too surprising to see the Browns pursue the former Minnesota tight end this offseason.