Who Should I Start? Kyle Rudolph or Isaiah Likely

Monday, September 4, 11:06 AM

Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph announced on Monday that he will officially retire as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. Rudolph makes the decision after playing 12 seasons in the NFL. Originally a second-round pick of the Vikings in 2011 out of Notre Dame, Rudolph played the first 10 seasons of his career in Minnesota before joining the New York Giants in 2021 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last year. He'll finish with 482 career receptions on 709 targets for 4,773 yards and 50 touchdowns in 165 games (145 starts). In just nine games (zero starts) for Tampa in 2022, the 33-year-old had three catches for 28 yards and one touchdown. Both of his Pro Bowl campaigns came in Minnesota -- in 2012 and in 2017.

Saturday, January 20, 9:13 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely secured his first-ever postseason touchdown in the Divisional Round, finishing with two catches for 34 yards and a touchdown in the team's 34-10 victory over the Texans. With Mark Andrews (ankle) still sidelined, Likely took on the role of the team's primary tight end and continued to make significant plays in his absence. Andrews returned to practice this week, increasing the likelihood of his return for the AFC Championship game next week. The Ravens will host either the Bills or Chiefs, both ranking in the top 10 in DVOA against the pass. These teams have effectively defended tight ends throughout the season, and Likely's value would diminish in any format if Andrews makes his return.