Kyle Rudolph isn’t the threat offensively he once was.
While he’s a solid blocker and a good red zone target, that’s probably not worth a cap hit of $9.387 million in 2021.
Rudolph has discussed how he won’t take a reduction in pay, but if he doesn’t, he’ll likely be gone. If the team releases him, they’ll save more than $5 million.
Former agent Joel Corry has Rudolph on his list of players who could be playing elsewhere in 2021.
Here’s what Corry wrote about Rudolph:
Rudolph insists he won’t accept a pay cut. He isn’t happy about becoming more of a blocker because of 2019 second- round pick Irv Smith, Jr.’s emergence as a receiver at tight end. Rudolph, who is 31, could be in for a rude awakening financially if released.
With Smith and Tyler Conklin showing out late last season, the Vikings have plenty of talent at tight end without Rudolph. While he’d be great to have on the team with a reduced salary, it would be a mistake for the team to bring him back at his current salary.