On a day when Kenny Golladay is on the brain of NY Giants’ fans and brass alike, they added another play-maker to their offense. Per his agents at Athletes First, tight end Kyle Rudolph signed a two year deal with the Giants.
The contract has a max value of $14 million dollars, as reported by NFL Networks’ Mike Garafolo. Many didn’t peg New York as a landing spot for the former Minnesota Viking, as the team has been outspoken about their confidence in tight end, Evan Engram.
After coach Joe Judge reaffirmed his belief in Engram, tight end wasn’t thought to be addressed in free agency.
“I love Evan. Have a ton of confidence in Evan,” said Judge, during a press conference earlier in this month.
Rudolph provides the Giants’ with an established veteran at the position – somebody quarterback Daniel Jones can rely on to make plays. While Engram has shown flashes in his career, reliable wouldn’t exactly be the word to describe him.
Here’s a breakdown of the good, and the bad of the NY Giants’ signing of Kyle Rudolph, as well as a grade for the move:
The good:
Rudolph provides the NY Giants with something they haven’t had at the tight-end position in years – a complete player. Although he’s 31 years-old, he can catch, run clean routes and block well.
He also gives the Giants a weapon in the red-zone – something they sorely needed. Instead of fake-field goal attempts that end in jump-balls to center Nick Gates, they now has a player who can go up and grab 50/50 balls.
He’s done it in the clutch as well – famously silencing the city of New Orleans with a game-winning touchdown catch in the playoffs.
Rudolph also fits Jason Garrett’s offense better than Engram. Fans who screamed at their television whenever Jason Witten terrorized the Giants should be happy with Rudolph possibly playing a similar role.
Rudolph’s pedigree that includes his playoff experience, leadership ability and on field prowess should help the Giants immensely.
General manager Dave Gettleman has to ensure that his quarterback takes a step forward this year. Rudolph won’t be the sole reason it happens, but he’ll certainly be a help to Jones.
Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
The bad:
If Rudolph’s 2020 season is an indicator of how he’ll play with the Giants, the team just overpaid for a player who’s best days are behind him.
Injuries and an inability to show up in a crowded passing game derailed his season – and former Alabama star, Irv Smith Jr., took away Rudolph’s spot. All were contributors to some of his lowest career statistics – 28 catches, 334 yards and just one touchdown.
While Rudolph played in all 16 games in the five years prior, hopefully missing four games isn’t a sign of things to come. If he hopes to put up better stats than last season, he’ll have to be available for the team.
Memories of the Giants’ Golden Tate deal come to mind – as he was the same age as Rudolph is now when he was signed by Gettleman. The team’s been burned before by a play-maker on the wrong side of 30 – hopefully Rudolph doesn’t fall into that category.
Kyle Rudolph #82 of the Minnesota Vikings (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The grade:
The Giants are officially no longer reliant on the roller-coaster play of Engram – that has to count as a positive. After contributing to more losses than wins last season, they couldn’t go into 2021 without a contingency plan.
It remains to be seen what they do with the former Ole Miss product – whether he creates a tight-end duo with Rudolph, or Gettleman looks to trade him. Either way, Rudolph gives the team a solid foundation at the position.
It also doesn’t stop them from the possibility of drafting Florida’s Kyle Pitts. While he may be listed as a tight-end, you could make the case that he should be considered a wide receiver.
Rudolph’s intangibles provide the team with a player they simply didn’t have before this signing, but his age and play last season cause hesitation. If the two time pro-bowler can return to form, the move will be lauded. If not, it’ll be another on a long list of questionable moves by their general manager.
