Free Agent TE Kyle Rudolph Reportedly Interested In Playing For The Browns

After signing former Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper prior to the 2020 season, the Cleveland Browns really haven't focused on finding a new tight end in free agency.

That doesn't mean they won't listen to offers though, and one player who reportedly has interest in coming to play for the Browns is former Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Minnesota dumped the 10-year veteran earlier in the week, and the first-time free agent has already reportedly spoken about going to either New England or Cleveland.

Rudolph has a relationship with Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who led the club to an 11-5 mark in 2020 and an upset playoff win in Pittsburgh over the rival Steelers.

If the Browns do land Rudolph, they would be getting a player who could have a big impact on the offense.

In 12 games in 2020, he caught 28 passes for 334 passes and a score. In his 10-year career, all with the Vikings, Rudolph has pulled in 453 catches for 4,488 yards with 48 touchdowns.

While Hooper is still going to be the starter in 2021, the Browns also have David Njoku as backup.

Over the past two seasons, Njoku has just 24 receptions, and he has spoken in the past about wanting to move on to another team, but the Browns want to keep him as insurance.

Rudolph is new to free agency, so what he asks for and what he gets is anyone's guess. If he's willing to come cheap, the Browns will likely at the least listen to what the ex-Vikings tight end is asking for.