The Minnesota Vikings made sure their improving passing game doesn’t take a sudden drop-off, as they locked up star tight end Kyle Rudolph to a new long-term extension this past weekend.

Rudolph agreed to terms on a new five-year deal worth over $36 million that will keep him in Minnesota through the 2019 NFL season. Still just 24 years old, the Vikings wisely lock down a potentially elite target for their passing game for much of his prime.

The move is an arguably going to be a discount purchase when it’s all said and done, as Minnesota is projecting Rudolph to evolve handsomely in their current run-based offense. That former run-first offensive philosophy is expected to slowly change under new offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who wields a vertical passing system.

Turner’s passing system has been particularly tight end friendly, as it’s seen mammoth seasons out of the likes of Jay Novacek, Randy McMichael, Antonio Gates and Jordan Cameron. Cameron is probably the biggest cause for excitement, as he didn’t do anything in his career prior to his first season in Turner’s offense a year ago. In that first season in the new offense, Cameron hauled in 80 catches for over 900 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Needless to say, Rudolph could be primed for a huge breakout season in an offense that should cater to his strengths. Already proving himself as an elite red-zone presence with nine touchdown catches in 2012, Rudolph now just needs to show that an injury-plagued 2013 campaign was a mere fluke.

If healthy, Rudolph should serve as a reliable safety blanket for rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is the future of the franchise under center.

Blessed with excellent size and ball skills, Rudolph should even have enhanced speed and mobility in 2014, as he reportedly shed 15 pounds during the offseason. Easily at his best physically since he entered the league in 2011, all signs point to a huge season for the fourth-year tight end.