Who Should I Start? Kyle Rudolph or Mike Gesicki

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, September 6, 2:18 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki finished the 2024 campaign with 65 catches (83 targets) for 665 yards. He also had two touchdowns, although they both came during the Week 7 matchup with the Browns. Gesicki and quarterback Joe Burrow built a strong rapport, resulting in the 29-year-old agreeing to a three-year, $25.5 million contract in March to remain in Cincinnati. The Bengals brought in Noah Fant this offseason. However, Gesicki is projected to lead the position in targets. That's not saying he will receive consistent attention from Burrow throughout the season, especially with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown in the mix. Still, the Bengals explosive offense makes Gesicki a starting option in two-tight end setups versus Cleveland.