3. Kyle Rudolph
The LA Chargers could sign the former Minnesota Viking in free agency
This is one name that I cannot fully get behind. I see a portion of the LA Chargers fanbase talking about the team going after Kyle Rudolph, who is a free agent and is a big-name on the market. Rudolph is a former Pro Bowler and is not going to warrant that large of a contract at this point in his career.
But that is exactly the point. Rudolph’s production has dipped the last two seasons and that should be an alarming sign for any team to sign him to a multi-year deal. If the Chargers sign him to a cheap one-year deal then that would be fine, but the chances of that happening seem very slim.
Rudolph has a combined 701 receiving yards and seven touchdowns (one in 2020) over the last two seasons. Granted, he is not targeted as much as Hunter Henry, but earlier in the offseason fans were picking apart Henry’s numbers when Rudolph has very similar production throughout his career.
Rudolph has had one season above 800 receiving yards in his decade-long career and just one more above 600 receiving yards. Yes, he did have solid YAC numbers in 2020 (5.5 yards after reception), but I do think that is a bit overstated, especially considering that number is an outlier compared to recent seasons.
His career YAC is just 0.7 yards more than Hunter Henry.
My biggest concern with Rudolph is the fact that he is going to turn 32 during the season and he is trending downhill. At his best, he was at the same level that Henry is currently at and he is obviously no longer at his best.
If he is the last option available then I would rather sign him for cheap than just roll with Parham and Anderson.