Buccaneers find Rob Gronkowski’s replacement with Kyle Rudolph signing

The Buccaneers have stuffed the sizable gap that Rob Gronkowski left, or so that they hope.

One month after the 33-year-old tight finish hung up his cleats for a second time, Tampa Bay has agreed to a one-year contract with a distinct veteran tight finish – Kyle Rudolph. The deal, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, gives quarterback Tom Brady with one other sure-handed possibility on offense.

The Giants launched Rudolph in March after he caught simply 26 passes for 257 yards and a landing in his solely season with the workforce.

Earlier than that, Rudolph, 32, spent the primary decade of his NFL profession with the Vikings.

Rudolph has 479 catches for 4,745 yards and 49 touchdowns in his NFL profession. He was additionally a two-time Professional Bowl choice, in 2012 and 2017.

Kyle Rudolph spent final season with the Giants earlier than being launched.

Charles Baus/Cal Sport Media/Sip

Tom Brady could have a brand new tight finish to throw to in Tampa after Rob Gronkowski retired.

AP

He additionally provides Brady a veteran tight finish, together with Cameron Brate. The one different tight finish on the roster with expertise is Codey McElroy, who has performed in only one sport. Tampa Bay additionally drafted two tight ends, Cade Otton within the fourth spherical and Ko Kieft within the sixth, in April’s NFL Draft.

Gronkowski mentioned throughout his retirement from the Bucs that he wouldn’t be returning for a twelfth NFL season, even when Brady referred to as him and requested him to come back again.