Vikings between rock and a hard place with Kyle Rudolph

The Minnesota Vikings and longtime tight finish Kyle Rudolph might be heading in direction of a divorce in 2021.

Kyle Rudolph has spent his total 10-year NFL profession out of Notre Dame with the Minnesota Vikings. Nevertheless, the two-time Professional Bowl tight finish noticed his position diminished within the Vikings offense a season in the past. He solely had 28 catches for 334 yards and one receiving landing. May he be on the way in which out of the Twin Cities as a Vikings’ cap casualty?

Rudolph mentioned on the Unrestricted with Ben Leber Podcast that he’s lower than thrilled along with his utilization within the final two seasons. He has been used extra as a blocking tight finish in his 30s, seeing extra of his traditional passes go within the path of Irv Smith. Rudolph feels he is usually a productive receiving tight finish once more, however he’s not keen to take a pay lower if he has the identical position from 2020.

There’s a sturdy risk Kyle Rudolph has performed his final snap for the Vikings

If the Vikings had been to let Rudolph go earlier than June 1, it could save them $5 million in opposition to the wage cap, however $four.four million of that may be seen as lifeless cash. Smith is a number of years youthful than Rudolph and really a lot in his prime. Rudolph can nonetheless be a productive participant on this league, however most likely won’t be able to command the cash he’s making now in his position with the Vikings.

What might have contributed to Rudolph’s down season was that he missed 4 video games. He had not missed a sport since 2014 previous to final yr. It led to him setting a career-worst with just one landing catch. Whereas the yardage will not be there any extra, a wholesome Rudolph should not have any drawback hauling in 5 red-zone targets for touchdowns. He simply might have to do this elsewhere.

Rudolph may find yourself being a cap casualty for the Vikings earlier than they head into coaching camp.