Kyle Rudolph could be on his way out of Minnesota. Extension talks between the tight end and the Vikings broke off on Friday morning, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
The Vikings drafted Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the second round, a sign that Rudolph might not factor into the team’s future plans. By moving on from Rudolph, the Vikes can save more than $7MM. Meanwhile, Rapoport hears that there is interest in Rudolph around the NFL.
Speculatively, one has to wonder if the Patriots could be among the interested clubs. A trade to New England would give the Pats an established TE to replace Rob Gronkowski and would give Rudolph his first opportunity to play in Foxborough for the first time since September 14, 2014. In that one-sided Patriots win, Rudolph had a respectable five receptions for 53 yards.
The 29-year-old Rudolph had another productive season in 2018, hauling in 64 receptions for 634 yards and four scores.
I’d welcome Kyle to New England, as a Bostonian I hate to see Gronk go and ASJ has a body type similar to Gronk but Rudolph is a better option
New England would be a great fit. Selfishly I’d love to see Rudolph as a Steeler but I think he’s a bit too expensive to add to what they are already paying Vance McDonald, and as much as Pittsburgh employs 2 tight ends and uses them in the passing game, Rudolph could probably be an undisputed starter and see the ball more somewhere else.
Seems like a raiders guy. Hes from ohio as is gruden and is also an aging vet (gruden loves those)
Agreed…our TE group is terrible and although we drafted a one, it’s a position that doesn’t translate quickly into the NFL- takes 2-3 years to click. I’d welcome Rudolph to the team
Dallas will pay him nicely.
I say he goes to the cheaters!
NE
Rudolph has an affinity for going out of bounds after the catch as opposed to turning up field to try for more yards.
Seems like Thielen and Diggs have more routes over the middle than Rudolph.
I don’t know if this is Rudolph himself or the way in which he is employed by the Vikings.
Surprised by the early Tight End draft pick. Also surprised that the pick was on a short (for a TE) catch and run guy. The Vikes have unsuccessfully tried this approach previously in both the draft and free agency.
One fact is always true: you can’t coach height.
Sea-Hawks! Get on it, give em a 3rd or a 4th and get a 6th or 7th back that you’ve traded recently
Rudolph can catch, but he lumbers like molasses.