The New England Patriots have several holes to fill on their roster heading to next season. Free-agent tight end Kyle Rudolph emerged as a potential target for the team and was rumored to be interested in playing under head coach Bill Belichick in 2021, per Doug Kyed of NESN.
Rudolph concluded a 10-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings where he successfully landed two Pro Bowl appearances. His last season with the team ended with total tallies of 334 receiving yards on 28 receptions and a lone touchdown through 12 contests.
After another underwhelming season cut short by a foot injury, the Notre Dame product was eventually released by the team in the offseason. Unknown to many, it wasn't the first time that Rudolph was linked to the Patriots. In fact, New England already attempted to acquire Rudolph nearly two years ago but no deal ever came to fruition.
In the event that both sides successfully reach an agreement, the veteran tight end can still secure a spot in the rotation due to the Patriots' shallow depth at the position. They are running thin on the tight end room as they only have incoming sophomores Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene playing alongside tenured veterans in Ryan Izzo and Matt LaCosse.
The team's tight end group hasn't been the same ever since Rob Gronkowski left town back in March of 2019. In the 2020 season, the unit only amassed a total of 254 yards on 18 touches without a touchdown scored.
A lack of production from various groups in the offensive rotation eventually hurt the Patriots' chances as they ended the 2020 season with a 7-9 record for the third spot in the AFC East. Kyle Rudolph's potential arrival to New England will certainly give a new weapon to the offense as they bid to attain more success next season.
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