Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph has been a mainstay in the Vikings offense for quite some time now.
Playing with the Vikings for nine seasons, Rudolph has started at least eight games every single season of his NFL career. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler.
He’s four touchdown receptions away from passing Sammy White for fourth all-time on the franchise’s all-time list and six to pass Anthony Carter for third in team history.
So Rudolph has been a Vikings staple, and that’s evidence of him signing a four-year contract worth $36 million in 2019.
His $9 million yearly average ranks him tied for the fifth highest-paid tight end in the NFL, per ESPN’s Field Yates. Rudolph is tied with Rob Gronkowski, who recently went over to Tampa Bay in a trade.
George Kittle’s recent extension puts him at No. 1. Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper and Travis Kelce are the other three tight ends who earn more than Rudolph.