Rudolph had two receptions for 38 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Kansas City. Rudolph continues to have a strong preseason as he appears to be Matt Cassel's favorite target and should have a large role in the offense. Given new offensive coordinator Norv Turner's history of success with tight ends, he could be set for a career year.

Rudolph had four receptions for 89 yards, including a 51-yard touchdown, in Saturday's preseason win over Arizona. With new offensive coordinator Norv Turner's history of success with tight ends, many expect Rudolph to be a big part of the offense and have a career year. Saturday's game will only fuel that outlook. Rudolph was limited to eight games last year after suffering a season-ending broken foot in Week 9, but looks fully healthy this summer.

Vikings signed TE Kyle Rudolph to a five-year, $36.5 million extension through 2019.

The Minneapolis Star-Tribune said "all the signs point" to Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph breaking out this season. Rudolph has been diligent in his recovery from the broken foot that sidelined him for the final eight games last season, reportedly dropping 15 pounds and working on his technique in order to be quicker out of his breaks. He should also get a big bump from the arrival of OC Norv Turner, who helped Jordan Cameron breakout last season. Rudolph is a bargain at his current ninth-round ADP.

Kyle Rudolph has dropped 15 pounds this offseason with an eye toward being more active in the passing game under new OC Norv Turner.Rudolph played last season at 275 pounds, but is now at 260 after focusing on his diet and workout routine during the offseason. He's also been working on his receiving skills at Larry Fitzgerald's annual training camp in Minnesota. Fitzgerald's trainer has specifically been working with Rudolph to help him with his speed in and out of breaks. Rudolph is a big-time breakout candidate.

Kyle Rudolph has dropped 15 pounds this offseason with an eye toward being more active in the passing game under new OC Norv Turner. Rudolph played last season at 275 pounds, but is now at 260 after focusing on his diet and workout routine during the offseason. He's also been working on his receiving skills at Larry Fitzgerald's annual training camp in Minnesota. Fitzgerald's trainer has specifically been working with Rudolph to help him with his speed in and out of breaks. Rudolph is a big-time breakout candidate.

Norv Turner's Browns used "12" personnel on 36.9 percent of their offensive plays last season, second-most in the NFL. The two tight end formation helped Jordan Cameron to his predictable breakout season. Now Turner is running the offense for Minnesota, meaning Kyle Rudolph projects as a major beneficiary. The contract-year tight end will be on the field for every snap, and will be freed up to run more routes while guys like Rhett Ellison, Chase Ford and Allen Reisner compete for blocking snaps. Carlson has flashed some Gronk-like red-zone chops already in his career, compiling 15 touchdowns in 39 games.

The Vikings have not approached TE Kyle Rudolph about a contract extension. It looks like the Vikes are prepared to let Rudolph play out his contract year. That could prove to be expensive, as we're expecting him to have a career season now that his foot is healed and he's playing in Norv Turner's tight end friendly offense. Rudolph is going to have a chance to put his underrated athleticism on display.

Kyle Rudolph (foot) has been running since mid-February and has experienced no setbacks. Rudolph missed the final eight games of the season after breaking his foot. He should be ready in plenty of time for OTAs but probably won't ramp it up in practice until training camp. Rudolph is poised for a breakout season under new OC Norv Tuner. He's also entering the final year of his rookie deal.

Kyle Rudolph ran 40.2 percent of his pass routes out of the slot last season. We're expecting that number to rise under Norv Turner, who had Jordan Cameron run 60.3 percent of his routes from the slot last season. Rudolph isn't as agile, but he does have a basketball background and is extremely athletic for a 6'6/259-pounder. All signs continue to point toward a breakout campaign.