Which quality tight ends should Steelers pursue this offseason?

Kyle Rudolph: Pursue

Rudolph is a veteran tight end, coming in as the 2nd-oldest of the four behind only Jared Cook. The 2x Pro Bowl talent was released by the Minnesota Vikings under seemingly unexpected circumstances. He is a clear dual-threat at the TE position, as he can both block and run routes. However, an entire decade off of a player’s career is not something that can be brushed over.

Old does not mean useless. Even if it did, it’s not like Kyle is scraping 40; he is only 31 years of age currently. He is the biggest of all four tight ends, in regards to both height and weight, making him the most logical choice for blocking purposes.

Hypothetically, if Rudolph were to hold a predominant blocking role in any scenarios involving him coming to the Steel City, he would be kept from constantly having to haul it deep downfield. His paramount goals would be to block just long enough for Ben Roethlisberger to get off a pass (and we all know that wouldn’t take very long) and to help lead the rushing attack down the stretch. Especially with an up-the-middle running back like James Conner, how difficult can that possibly be? So the old-timer wouldn’t ever be in too much trouble to where he was in jeopardy of being dealt any serious injury.

As I previously mentioned, every tight end does need hands to at least some decent degree for when they are relied upon in a play call made during crunch time. Well, Kyle has those too. Among the tight ends being covered here today, he has the most career touchdown receptions (48) and least career fumbles (2). Two fumbles, in his decade-long career so far. Not bad, Kyle. Not bad at all.