Bucs sign Rudolph to reported 1-year contract

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found Rob Gronkowski's replacement.

Veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph tweeted on Thursday that he's joining the Bucs. Tampa Bay will bring him in on a one-year deal, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Tampa Bay was reported to be among the teams that were eyeing Rudolph earlier this month. The Buccaneers needed to replenish their tight end group due to Gronkowski's departure and the loss of O.J. Howard in free agency.

Cameron Brate previously figured to be the top option at the position. Behind him are 2022 fourth-rounder Cade Otton and sixth-round rookie Ko Kieft, among others.

Rudolph was released by the New York Giants in March after one season with the club. He scored just one touchdown and put up 257 yards during his brief stay in New York.

The 32-year-old enjoyed his best years with the Minnesota Vikings, where he caught 453 passes for 4,488 yards and 48 touchdowns over 10 seasons.