According to PFF, the highest-rated tight end in the history of the NFL is a name very familiar to South Carolina football fans. Who is that player? Former Gamecock Nick Muse is that player.
To be fair, Muse's PFF grade is based off of one career catch, so with any reasonable filter put on the grading system, Nick Muse is not the highest-rated tight end in NFL history. However, his one 22-yard first down grab must have left an impact on his Minnesota Vikings squad.
On Tuesday, the former Gamecock tight end was re-signed by the Minnesota Vikings.
After being drafted late in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Vikings, Muse spent his rookie season being a depth player and special teams contributor. However, due to injuries to other tight ends (most notably Pro Bowler TJ Hockenson), Muse got some snaps with the offense at the end of his sophomore campaign.
With Hockenson's status for the 2024 season still somewhat unknown (he tore his ACL in December), the Vikings need help at the tight end position, and bringing back Muse helps build up that room during their star's absence. His contract will be for just under $1 Million for one year in 2024.
Muse will have a chance to make an impact next season with what likely will be his largest consistent diet of opportunities. However, he does not know who his quarterback will be. Long-time starter Kirk Cousins is expected to leave in free agency, and the other three QBs on the current roster (Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall) are not long-term starters in the league.
During his South Carolina football career, Nick Muse had just over 800 yards and 3 touchdowns as he battled an NCAA-levied eligibility issue, an ACL injury, and a crowded tight end room. Now, he is part of a long line of Gamecock tight ends to make it to the NFL.