Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer is reporting that the Minnesota Vikings have signed tight end Kyle Rudolph to a five-year, $36.5 million contract. Rudolph, a second-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2011, has recorded 109 receptions for 1,055 yards and 15 scores throughout his three-year career.Â
Kyle Rudolph agrees to new 5 year, 36.5 million dollar extension w Vikings
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) July 28, 2014
That’s a lot of cash to throw around to a player who hasn’t put up the numbers to warrant over $7 million per season. However, it must be noted that Rudolph did miss eight games due to injury last season and is among the most talented pass-catching tight ends in the NFL. Taking care of Rudolph prior to the start of the season means that Minnesota won’t have to worry about him hitting free agency next spring.
New head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner are expecting big things from Rudolph in 2014. If he lives up to those expectations, this seemingly huge extension will be well worth it.
Rudolph’s reported annual salary of $7.3 million would rank him among the five highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.
Photo: ESPN.com