MINNEAPOLIS — After months of uncertainty surrounding the status of his contract for the upcoming season, veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph gained some clarity on Monday evening.
A league source told ESPN that Rudolph agreed to terms of a contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings and will sign his new deal on Tuesday morning, the same day the Vikings begin their three-day mandatory minicamp. Rudolph’s new deal is worth $36 million over four years, which could keep him in Minnesota through the 2023 season, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Rudolph relayed the news in a heartfelt message on Twitter in which he reflected upon the major events that have occurred in his life both in and out of football since he was selected 43rd overall in the 2011 draft by Minnesota, where he has spent his entire career to date. The ninth-year tight end married his wife, Jordan, had three children and has been an active member in the Twin Cities community through his philanthropic work with the establishment of Kyle Rudolph’s End Zone at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital.
#UnfinishedBusiness #Skol pic.twitter.com/ooOXJruWFF
— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph82) June 11, 2019
Rudolph’s new deal is expected to lower his cap hit of $7.625 million, which would help the Vikings with their current salary-cap situation. Minnesota, according to ESPN’s roster management system, had less than $1.3 million in cap space prior to negotiating the terms of Rudolph’s new deal.
Earlier this spring, the Vikings drafted Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. with the 50th overall pick. Throughout the spring offseason program, coaches have relayed the importance of the roles both tight ends will play in Minnesota’s offense with their complementary skill sets.