The Minnesota Vikings and TE Kyle Rudolph have agreed to terms on a 5 year, $36.5 million contract extension. Rudolph is guaranteed $19.4M in the deal and will recieve a $6.5M signing bonus which makes the contract worth up to $40M.
Rudolph came out of Notre Dame in 2011, and was selected by the Vikings in the second round of that year's NFL Draft. Rudolph became a instant starter in Minnesota and played in 15 games during his rookie season, catching 26 passes for 249 yards and 3 touchdowns.
In 2012, Rudolph had a "breakout" year as he made 53 receptions and picked up 493 yards and 9 touchdowns in 16 starts that season. Rudolph was selected to the 2012 Pro Bowl after Tony Gonzalez of the Atlanta Falcons backed out. He caught a touchdown pass in the game and was named the MVP.
Rudolph only played in 8 games during 2013 due to injury but was still very productive in that time as he made 30 receptions for 313 yards and three touchdowns. This new deal makes Rudolph the fifth highest paid tight end in the NFL. The Vikings may have over paid to do so but they have locked him up until 2019.
All stats & contract details via ESPN.