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The Buccaneers apparently took “I’m done playing and thinking about it” as an answer.
Veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph has signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers, according to ESPN.
Rudolph, who spent 10 years with the Vikings before a one-year stint with the Giants, becomes the veteran backup to Rob Gronkowski, who has repeatedly said his career is over — even if those close to him (including his agent and girlfriend) aren’t buying it.
A two-time Pro Bowler and captain of a 2017 Minnesota team that advanced to a Super Bowl game, Rudolph has 479 career regular-season catches for 4,475 yards and 49 touchdowns. His most productive year came in 2016 with 83 catches for 840 yards. In his only season in New York, Rudolph had 26 receptions for 257 yards and a touchdown.
Veteran Cameron Brate is the expected starter, but Rudolph should get plenty of opportunities, especially with Gronk not returning.
Rudolph, 32, entered the league in 2011, one year after Gronkowski. The terms of the deal, which have yet to expire, will go a long way toward determining whether Rudolph is a lock for the 53-man roster or will have to find a job in August.
Regardless, this move should be seen as further evidence that Gronkowski won’t be back in Tampa in 2022. It remains to be seen if he’ll join forces with Brady if/when Brady plays for another team in 2023.
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