Tag: Kyle Rudolph

Stefanski could reunite with former tight end in Cleveland now that he is free

Familiar with Stefanski and his system and free to sign with any team right away, a new tight end option hits the NFL free agency market:

The Cleveland Browns have a few big areas of need going into the 2022 offseason. While wide receiver and defensive line get a lot of deserved attention, special teams is also a place of concern.

The tight end position has gotten a lot of conversation but most has been about the possibility of cutting Austin Hooper and/or bringing back David Njoku. While the Browns have reportedly been willing to offer Njoku big money, his return is far from certain.

If either or both current Cleveland tight ends are gone, the position becomes a much bigger need. Head coach Kevin Stefanski values the position greatly as it gives the offense players who can help in both the run and pass game, especially the versatile ones.

If a need exists, a new option has just popped up in free agency with Kyle Rudolph being let go by the New York Giants:

As noted above, Rudolph is free to sign with any team immediately.

Rudolph was Stefanski’s primary tight end during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. During his ten years in Minnesota, Rudolph caught 665 balls for 4,488 yards and 48 touchdowns. His best year came in 2016 with 83 receptions for 840 yards and seven touchdowns.

If Hooper and/or Njoku are somewhere else, Rudolph could provide a low-cost option at the position and reunite in a system that he knows well. He’s been mostly reliable, playing in 16 games for five straight seasons before missing five games combined the last two years.

Bleacher Report names 3 players Giants ‘must consider cutting’

A case can be made for each of the three New York Giants on this list.

When the New York Giants hired Joe Shoen to be their next general manager, everyone, including Shoen, knew there was plenty of work to be done on the salary cap to make it somewhat manageable again.

In fact, it was in Schoen’s first few days that he made it clear just how much salary cap the Giants are hoping to shed.

Recently, Bleacher Report’s Joe Tansey listed three players the Giants “must consider” cutting this offseason: wide receiver Sterling Shepard, tight end Kyle Rudolph, and cornerback James Bradberry.

The most likely cut may just be Shepard, who tore his Achilles at the end of this past season and has been hit hard with the injury bug during his career.

With the Giants investing a first-round pick in Kadarius Toney and a heavy contract in Kenny Golladay, the Giants could easily afford to cut ties with Shepard, especially since he will probably miss a good portion of the 2022 season as he is recovering from injury.

Rudolph showed up at times for Big Blue during last season but is clearly not the player he once was. Even with Evan Engram set to become a free agent, the Giants might be better off parting ways with both Rudolph and Engram and finding a well-rounded tight end on the cheap for next season.

Finally, Bradberry made the list just one season removed from a Pro Bowl campaign. Unfortunately, Bradberry regressed a little this past season, along with the rest of the Giants’ defense.

There is no doubt that Bradberry can play, but with the Giants rebuilding for now and in desperate need of clear cap, it could make sense to part ways with Bradberry’s salary.

The Giants will have a lot to do to correct the salary cap hell that Dave Gettleman left them in, but hopefully the new coaching staff and general manager have a plan already formulated to get the cap down as efficiently as possible.

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8 Giants who could be released or traded to save cap space

A look at eight New York Giants who could either be released or traded in an effort to save the team some salary cap space.

It’s that time of year again for the organizations who are going home for the postseason. It’s time for NFL teams to get their financial houses in order. Or at least begin to get that process in motion.

For the New York Giants, who have lost 10 or more games five straight years (seven of the last eight) and have so little cap room heading into 2022, deep cuts are in order.

Who could that be? Here’s a quick look.

Former Viking Kyle Rudolph says Daniel Jones is ‘absolutely’ more talented than Kirk Cousins

Talk about a blast from the past. Whew….

For anyone that thinks the grass isn’t greener on the other side, former Minnesota Viking tight end, now New York Giant, Kyle Rudolph is absolutely loving his time with quarterback Daniel Jones.

He’s loving it so much that he didn’t bite his tongue when asked to compare him to Kirk Cousins.

“Absolutely,” Rudolph responded on WFAN’s Tiki & Tierney, when asked if Jones was more talented than all of the other quarterbacks he played with in Minnesota, most notably Cousins and Teddy Bridgewater. “I’ve said that since day one. He’s certainly the most talented guy I’ve ever played with, and I’ve played with a lot.”

It’s an interesting take from Rudolph, who has caught 22 receptions for 240 yards and only one touchdown with the Giants this season. Those numbers pale in comparison to the 28 receptions for 334 yards and one touchdown he had with less games in Minnesota back in 2020.

Like Cousins, Jones has been at the center of the “should he stay or should he go” debate all season long. He has thrown for 2,428 yards, 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions as opposed to Cousins’ 3,971 yards, 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Talent obviously can’t only be measured in statistics, but if it could be, Jones isn’t even close.

Giants injury report: Kadarius Toney continues to miss practice

New York Giants WR Kadarius Toney continues to miss practice with a shoulder injury, but RB Saquon Barkley returned to the field on Thursday.

The New York Giants placed three more players on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Thursday — Darius Slayton was among them — but welcomed Nate Solder back.

After sitting out during Wednesday’s walkthrough, Saquon Barkley also returned to the field. However, he was not accompanied by Kadarius Toney, who continues to sit out with a shoulder injury.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: RB Gary Brightwell (neck), DL Austin Johnson (foot), WR Collin Johnson (hamstring), OL Billy Price (personal), WR Kadarius Toney (shoulder), WR John Ross (knee/COVID ramp up)

Limited participant: OL Ben Bredeson (ankle), DB Keion Crossen (COVID ramp up), FB Cullen Gillaspia (shin), DB Adoree’ Jackson (quad/COVID ramp up), RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), PK Graham Gano (illness), DL Raymond Johnson (illness), TE Chris Myarick (illness), TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle), OT Nate Solder (COVID ramp up)

Full participant: N/A

Giants injury report: Saquon Barkley, Kadarius Toney among nine not practicing

The New York Giants held a walkthrough practice on Wednesday and nine players were absent and five others were limited.

The New York Giants took the field for Wednesday’s walkthrough and despite the return of several players from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, they were extremely shorthanded.

In the portion of practice open to the media, more than a handful of new players were absent. Among them were kicker Graham Gano, running back Saquon Barkley and tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who played in Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles, also appeared to be sidelined.

The Giants’ full Wednesday injury report (projected/walkthrough) can be found below:

Did not participate: RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), RB Gary Brightwell (neck), PK Graham Gano (illness), DL Austin Johnson (foot), WR Collin Johnson (hamstring), DL Raymond Johnson (illness), OL Billy Price (personal), TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle), WR Kadarius Toney (shoulder)

Limited participant: OL Ben Bredeson (ankle), DB Keion Crossen (COVID ramp up), FB Cullen Gillaspia (shin), DB Adoree’ Jackson (quad/COVID ramp up), WR John Ross (knee/COVID ramp up)

Full participant: N/A

Giants injury report: Gary Brightwell returns to practice

New York Giants RB Gary Brightwell (neck) returned to practice on Thursday, while LT Andrew Thomas (ankle) remained limited.

The New York Giants were back on the field for their final open practice of the week on Thursday. The team will close their facilities to the media on Friday and Saturday in observance of the holiday.

Speaking of the holiday season, the Giants received a few gifts as they head into the long weekend. Safety J.R. Reed, wide receiver Kadarius Toney and linebacker Oshane Ximines were all removed from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Rookie running back Gary Brightwell (neck) also returned to practice after sitting out during Wednesday’s walkthrough.

The Giants’ full Thursday injury report can be found below:

Did not participate: OL Ben Bredeson (ankle)

Limited participant: RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), FB Cullen Gillaspia (shin), DL Austin Johnson (foot), TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle), OL Andrew Thomas (ankle), DL Leonard Williams (triceps), RB Gary Brightwell (neck)

Full participant: N/A

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Giants injury report: Andrew Thomas, five others limited in practice

New York Giants LT Andrew Thomas (ankle) was among six players who were projected non-participants in Wednesday’s walkthrough.

The New York Giants did not have any positive COVID-19 tests on Wednesday and expect to get several players back later this week.

On the practice field, they were without offensive lineman Ben Bredeson, who is nursing an ankle injury, and running back Gary Brightwell. The rookie was injured in Week 15.

Six other Giants, including left tackle Andrew Thomas, were limited.

Here’s a look at the Giants’ full (projected/walkthrough) injury report for Wednesday:

Did not participate: OL Ben Bredeson (ankle), RB Gary Brightwell (neck)

Limited participant: RB Saquon Barkley (ankle), FB Cullen Gillaspia (shin), DL Austin Johnson (foot), TE Kyle Rudolph (ankle), OL Andrew Thomas (ankle), DL Leonard Williams (triceps)

Full participant: N/A

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Giants restructure contracts of Kyle Rudolph, Riley Dixon

The New York Giants have restructured the contracts of tight end Kyle Rudolph and punter Riley Dixon.

The New York Giants continue to whittle away at their salary structure as the injuries and illnesses pile up.

This week, the team restructured the contracts of tight end Kyle Rudolph and punter Riley Dixon.

Dixon’s current deal, singed before the 2019 season, is for three years and $8.7 million. Th contract runs through the end of the 2022 season.

Rudolph was inked to a two-year, $12 million contract before this season. The team, as stated by Yates, is attempting oy free up money to sign players in the wake of all of the personnel comings and goings.

The Giants currently have over 20 players on injured reserve, among the highest in the NFL. They also have nine players on the non-football injury list, which is where clubs place players who have tested positive for COVID-19.

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Kyle Rudolph, Billy Price were highest-graded Giants in Week 14

Tight end Kyle Rudolph and center Billy Price earned the New York Giants’ highest PFF grades in Week 14.

The New York Giants had the brakes beat off them on Sunday, falling to the Los Angeles Chargers by a score of 37-21. And the game wasn’t even that close.

There were precious few positives to take away from the game as the Giants struggled in every form and facet. From the coaches to the players, it was a disaster from the opening whistle until the final second.

Still, those at Pro Football Focus managed to find some silver linings. Not everyone earned a poor grade. In fact, some players shined through a bit.

Tight end Kyle Rudolph topped that list following his best game in a Giants uniform. He logged a team-high grade of 89.9. He was followed by center Billy Price (85.3), fullback Eli Penny (84.9) and running back Devontae Booker (77.4).

Other notable offensive grades include guard Will Hernandez (75.5), running back Saquon Barkley (75.5) and wide receiver Kenny Golladay (55.4).

The lowest-graded Giants on offense were wide receiver Darius Slayton (39.8) and tight end Chris Myarick (30.8).

Defensively, lineman Dexter Lawrence led the way (80.3). Just behind him were linebacker Tae Crowder (74.2), defensive end Leonard Williams (73.9) and nose tackle Danny Shelton (70.5).

Other notable defensive grades include cornerback James Bradberry (64.3), edge rusher Azeez Ojulari (59.4) and linebacker Lorenzo Carter (48.6).

The lowest-graded Giants defenders were linebacker Benardrick McKinney (43.6) and defensive lineman Austin Johnson III (42.5).

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