The New England Patriots were rumored to have an interest in Kyle Rudolph this offseason. And it made sense. Rob Gronkowski had retired, and the team had a gaping hole at the tight end position as a result.
In recent weeks, that hole has only gotten larger. The team found out that Ben Watson was suspended for the first four games of the season and cut Austin Seferian-Jenkins as he deals with personal issues. That's part of the reason that they were tied to Rudolph in trade rumors, but nothing substantial ever came of that.
Late Monday night, a resolution came to the Rudolph rumors. He is preparing to sign an extension with the Minnesota Vikings, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN.
Kyle Rudolph has agreed to the terms of a contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, per a source. He will sign and make it official in the morning. https://t.co/rBhqfdv3Tf
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) June 11, 2019
Given that the Patriots never seemed to show significant interest in Rudolph, this isn't a big deal. But, it does significantly water down the trade market if the team does decide to add somebody to help at the position.
For the time being, the team seems content to stick with what they have at the tight end position. They will likely roll with Matt LaCosse as the starter at least until Watson returns to action.
Patriots' next order of business? Tom Brady's contract>>>
UPDATE (Tuesday, June 11, 8 a.m. ET): Rudolph confirmed news of his pending extension on Twitter, and according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the tight end is getting a four-year deal.
#UnfinishedBusiness #Skol pic.twitter.com/ooOXJruWFF
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph82) June 11, 2019
ICYMI: Vikings giving veteran TE Kyle Rudolph a four-year, $36 million extension that keeps him in Minnesota, per source. Rudolph scheduled to sign the deal this morning.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 11, 2019
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