Vikings will probably wave goodbye to this long-time veteran

The Minnesota Vikings will need to make some moves to get under the salary cap and will likely wave goodbye to this 10-year veteran.

The Minnesota Vikings are paid Kirk Cousins an incredible amount of money to lead them to another mediocre 7-9 season. With NFL free agency and the draft on the horizon, Minnesota will need to figure out how to correct their misfortunes, and priority number one will be getting under the salary cap.

A few veterans’ contracts will undoubtedly be explored and a few are likely to be cut or moved in other ways. At 31 years old, Kyle Rudolph is the longest-tenured player on the Vikings roster. A second-round 2011 draft pick, the veteran tight end is fifth all-time at the position in touchdown catches with 47, and the leader in Vikings history.

Now, it looks like it may be time for another chapter in Rudolph’s career, likely with a new team.

Vikings are likely to part ways with veteran Kyle Rudolph

The 2020 season was one of the worst of Rudolph’s 10-year as a Vikings player. He played in only 12 games for the team and caught one touchdown the whole season. His production has definitely slowed in the two seasons since he signed his extension in 2019. The extension came at a strange time, just weeks after the team used a second-round pick to draft former Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr.

Though he is beloved in the Minnesota community, Rudolph’s price tag may not leave him room to finish out his career in the same place that he started it.

The two-time Pro Bowler is the owner of the second-highest base salary at the tight end position heading into the 2021 season at $7.65 million. He’s also the fourth-highest cap hit at $9.45 million, while only ranking 36th in receptions with 28 on the year.

Rudolph has already blatantly stated that he’s unwilling to restructure his contract so Minnesota may have no choice here. He’s likely to be either cut or traded here in the near future.

Where do Vikings fans see him landing?