The Vikings have lost a couple of tight ends this offseason, so they’re naturally looking toward free agency for reinforcement. Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports (via Twitter) that Minnesota has “sent out some feelers” on free agent tight end MyCole Pruitt. Tomasson notes that “nothing is close” when it comes to a potential signing.
Pruitt actually started his career with the Vikings back in 2015, with the former fifth-rounder spending one-plus seasons with the organization. After bouncing around the league a bit, the tight end found a home in Tennessee in 2018. While Pruitt never put up big numbers during his stint with the Titans (20 receptions for 241 yards and one score), he had a consistent role as a blocking tight end, appearing in 42 games (15 starts) in three years. Pruitt also saw time in five playoff games for Tennessee, hauling in six receptions.
The Vikings have likely been looking for extra depth at tight end since moving on from Kyle Rudolph earlier this offseason. The team also watched as backup Hale Hentges called it a career. The team’s depth chart is currently led by former second-rounder Irv Smith Jr. and former fifth-round pick Tyler Conklin.
While the team’s interest in Pruitt makes sense from a depth perspective, general manager Rick Spielman seemed to hint recently that he’d feel comfortable with Smith and Conklin atop his depth chart.
“Irv does it with his ability to run and his athletic ability … [hopefully we get the] same type of production going forward,” Spielman said (via Eric Smith of the team’s website). “And I think the other guy that really jumped out at the tight end position was Tyler Conklin, and last year he took a significant jump when he got his opportunity to play, not only making some plays in the passing game but in his development as a blocker at the line of scrimmage as well.”
Maybe they want him for Center, so they can move Bradbury to Guard and Cleveland to Tackle….
Derrick Henry is a big fan of Pruitt’s, having told Pruitt’s agent to make sure that his client re-signed with the Titans a year ago. And I love the fact that Pruitt entered the league as a prolific pass catcher who got dinged by evaluators for not always showing effort in his blocking, and then did a 180 to forge a career for himself as a blocking specialist. That tells me he’s a true professional.
Looking at his and Conklin’s snaps counts over the last two to three years, Pruitt should pick up 250-450 offensive snaps and 100-200 special teams snaps, and as Smith and Conklin are okay but somewhat inconsistent blockers, he should be a big help in the running game. Not sure how much pass blocking he did for the Titans, but the Vikes have used their TE’s to help out their OL, so I expect Pruitt to get some reps helping protect Kirk Cousins. And as much as the team uses it’s fullback, C.J. Ham, also, Pruitt could be expected to provide depth there, too.
You must live near SIUC
Nope. Just a Vikings fan who’s never lived near Minnesota, either, so I became obsessive about buying draft guides and football annuals, and then eventually about following some of the fansites. Also, Pro Football Reference and Pro Sports Transactions are our friends.
Anything that helps the line is a plus.