Fansided

These 8 NFL veterans could be cap casualties

By Kelly Thompson

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks hands off to C.J. Prosise #22 during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 10, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks hands off to C.J. Prosise #22 during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 10, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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ENGLEWOOD, CO – JULY 29: Tight end Jake Butt #80 turns up field after a catch on day 2 of Denver Broncos training camp at the UCHealth Training Center July 29, 2018 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
ENGLEWOOD, CO – JULY 29: Tight end Jake Butt #80 turns up field after a catch on day 2 of Denver Broncos training camp at the UCHealth Training Center July 29, 2018 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

2. Jake Butt, TE, Denver Broncos

When the Broncos drafted Butt in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, they had high hopes that the former Michigan Wolverine would help to provide a reliable outlet option. Unfortunately, that never materialized. Butt, who tore his ACL while at Michigan, has since torn his ACL two more times and as such, has played in just five games.

While Butt has a tremendous amount of talent and upside, the Broncos drafting of Noah Fant with the 20th selection in the 2019 NFL Draft says it all. Coupled with the existence of Jeff Heuerman on the roster, makes it seem unlikely that Butt makes the roster this year. If he’s healthy, he’ll get another shot to make a team this summer. But if he’s not, his days in the NFL may be over.

Next: Every NFL Team's Best Draft Pick Of All-Time

1. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have to do something to dig themselves out of the salary cap hell they’ve created. There are a slew of options for the team to do so, but almost none make more sense than cutting their veteran tight end, Kyle Rudolph. This isn’t a move that makes anyone in the organization, or the fanbase, happy, but it is necessary.

The team will save $7.65 million against the cap by doing so; and after not securing a trade during the draft, are unlikely to find a reasonable suitor now. With second-round pick Irv Smith, Jr. in house, the Vikings have made it known that Rudolph isn’t long for the roster.