Tag: Kyle Rudolph

Vikings announce that they’ve released TE Kyle Rudolph

The Vikings announced that they have released longtime Minnesota player and tight end Kyle Rudolph

Tight end Kyle Rudolph has been a part of the Vikings offense for the past 10 seasons. On Tuesday, Minnesota marked the likely conclusion of that era: The team announced that it has released Rudolph.

The Vikings tight end could still re-sign with the team for a cheaper contract, but that seems unlikely, given Minnesota’s cap situation, the tight ends the team has waiting in the wings and what Rudolph has said publicly this offseason.

Rudolph has 4,488 receiving yards and 48 touchdown receptions in the regular season of his NFL career so far. The Vikings are the only team he has played for. Arguably his most notable play came against the Saints in the 2019 postseason, when he secured the game-winning score in overtime.

Expect Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin to be the main options at tight end for the Vikings in 2021. The team can also add bargain free agency signings and rookies at that position for depth.

Seven predictions for the rest of the Vikings offseason

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of decisions to make in the 2021 offseason.

The Vikings are entering into another whirlwind offseason most likely filled with older contributors leaving and newer, more inexperienced talent coming in.

With the way the salary cap could be structured, Minnesota is most likely going to have little cap space in 2021. The team will be left with decisions to make: Should it restructure, trade, cut or extend players to lessen the cap hits on 2021?

We’ll find out what the Vikings do in the near future. For now, here are some predictions Vikings Wire has for the team:

Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph listed as a player who could need a change of scenery

What should the Minnesota Vikings do about tight end Kyle Rudolph?

Minnesota had a three-pronged attack at tight end last season.

The Vikings relied on Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin for their tight end position. It could be difficult to bring that entire group back, though.

Rudolph has a cap hit of over $9.3 million for 2021, per Over The Cap. Also, the Vikings may have to cut back on big contracts this offseason. So could the team restructure with Rudolph? Well, the Vikings tight end recently said he’s “worth every dime” of his contract.

ESPN’s Courtney Cronin predicts that Rudolph could be going elsewhere. Here’s what she wrote:

“A couple of weeks ago, the veteran tight end stated on a podcast that he wasn’t open to the idea of restructuring his contract for the 2021 season and that he “couldn’t sign up” for the type of role he has played in the offense over the past two years, which saw his targets dwindle as he was no longer a top red zone threat. Rudolph has been a staple in Minnesota since 2011, but a split would do both parties a world of good. The Vikings could save up to $8 million against the cap, depending on when he is released, and Rudolph, 31, would get a chance to finish out his career in an offense that could utilize him beyond his ability to block.”

So it seems like the decision for Rudolph to leave could benefit both parties. Also, Vikings fans don’t have to fret with Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin. Those two should make for a fun tight end unit for the future.

Agent speculates Kyle Rudolph could be cap casualty

The Vikings would save more than $5 million if they release Rudolph.

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.

What the Vikings should do about Kyle Rudolph

For the Minnesota Vikings, it’s time to start thinking about letting go key veterans, such as tight end Kyle Rudolph.

In all likelihood, the Vikings will have to cut back on big contracts in order to get under the 2021 salary cap.

When fans and analysts have considered the different ways Minnesota can do so, an obvious name that comes up is Kyle Rudolph. The Vikings veteran has been the team’s mainstay tight end for the past 10 seasons.

However, the Vikings have an up-and-coming tight end, Irv Smith Jr., who seems ready for a bigger role. Minnesota also has a capable backup in Tyler Conklin.

Not only that, but Rudolph’s recent comment to Ben Leber on the Unrestricted podcast (H/T KFAN) makes it seem like a restructure would be unlikely.

“I see both sides,” Rudolph said. “I’m looking at this situation like hey we’re paying this guy a lot of money and you’re not using him so why are we paying him a lot of money? … I think I’m worth every dime of my contract, that doesn’t mean that I’m used to my potential and I’m used to do what I do well.”

Vikings 2020 season review: Tight ends

See the Vikings Wire review of the Minnesota Vikings’ tight end position for the 2020 season.

Despite finishing 7-9, the Vikings have plenty of upside across their roster. The team’s tight end unit is no different.

Many tabbed Irv Smith Jr. to be a breakout star in 2020. He had a slow start, but ended up putting together another productive season. He was a good red zone target and he found a way to create separation from the players covering him. The only downside was his injury issues. Kyle Rudolph remained a decent target for Kirk Cousins.

Even Tyler Conklin stepped up at times. This position group could undergo some changes in 2020. For now, here is a review of the position group as it stands:

Florida State DT Marvin Wilson listed as a senior bowl player the Vikings should covet

See why Florida State defensive tackle Marvin Wilson could be a good fit for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings have some excuses for why their defensive line was so inconsistent in 2020.

Minnesota was missing Michael Pierce and Danielle Hunter. Pierce opted out after signing with the team in free agency. Hunter suffered a season-ending injury. The Vikings also traded away Yannick Ngakoue after a 1-5 start.

Still, even with Pierce and Hunter playing for the Vikings, the team could use an upgrade at defensive line. At least, that’s what Bleacher Report thinks. The outlet listed Florida State DT Marvin Wilson as a senior bowl player Minnesota should covet. Here’s what it said:

“Florida State’s Marvin Wilson could have gone pro last year, but he decided to stay another season with the Seminoles. He didn’t tally a ton of box-score stats this past year, but he did tie a school record with two blocked field goals in a single game. 

Wilson can be explosive off the snap and quickly get into the backfield. He did a better job using technique and active hands in 2020 rather than just relying on his size (6’3″, 319 lbs) and quickness to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.”

With how bad the Vikings were at generating pressure in 2020, Minnesota could use a presence like Wilson. Pierce won’t be able to play every snap and the Vikings desperately need a player who can thrive in the three-technique spot, so defensive tackle help would be a big boost.

Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph says he’s ‘worth every dime’ of his contract

Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph said he’s worth every dime of his contract, but that doesn’t mean that he’s used to his potential.

Kyle Rudolph has been a staple of the Vikings offense.

Rudolph has also found a way to remain productive as he has aged, becoming a stellar red zone target for Kirk Cousins.

However, the Vikings may have to cut back on some veteran contracts this offseason. Rudolph is a popular name that comes up when discussing such matters.

The Minnesota tight end has a cap hit of over $9.4 million for 2021, per Over The Cap. Not only that, but Irv Smith Jr. and Tyler Conklin seem like a serviceable tight end combination for the future.

Rudolph recently talked about his contract situation:

“I’m realistic,” Rudolph said to Ben Leber on the Unrestricted podcast (H/T KFAN). “I see both sides. I’m looking at this situation like hey we’re paying this guy a lot of money and you’re not using him so why are we paying him a lot of money? … I think I’m worth every dime of my contract, that doesn’t mean that I’m used to my potential and I’m used to do what I do well.”

It’s a tough situation for Rudolph, who has been a good player for the Vikings. That said, it may make sense for the team to move on, especially if Rudolph doesn’t want to restructure. It’s certainly gearing up to be an interesting offseason.

Four Vikings candidates who may need their contract changed this offseason

Which Minnesota Vikings candidates do you think should restructure or get extended this offseason?

Minnesota has an interesting roster makeup at the moment.

The Vikings have plenty of young talent like Justin Jefferson, Irv Smith Jr. and Cameron Dantzler. The team also has older veterans. In regards to the veterans, the Vikings have some financial decisions to make.

Minnesota might have to let go of a few key contributors from the Mike Zimmer era. But if they want to stick around, there’s a possibility that those players could restructure their deals.

LT Riley Reiff is a candidate to restructure, but he’s not on this list. His contract is pretty fair, based on his level of play in 2020. That said, the Vikings might not be able to afford him.

The obvious free agents like Anthony Harris and Eric Wilson are also left off this list.

Here are a few names who might need to come back on cheaper deals for 2021:

Three Vikings who could be cap casualties this offseason

These Minnesota Vikings have played well in purple and gold, but the team might have to move on, due to their contracts.

With the way Minnesota’s roster is presently constructed, the team will have some financial decisions to make that could leave veterans looking for other teams.

The Vikings 2021 cap situation is not great right now, according to Over The Cap. The website reported that Minnesota is more than $9.1 million over the 2021 salary cap at the moment.

If the Vikings want to sign draft picks and free agents, the team will have to let go of some talent. There are some candidates whose contracts would make it easy for the team to free up space for 2021.

Here are some of the players who may get cut due to the Vikings’ salary cap limitations, with the contract numbers compiled through Over The Cap.