Two-time Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Rudolph has been released by the Minnesota Vikings.
Rudolph, who spent 10 years with the franchise, will get to experience free agency for the first time in his career after this move. The Vikings, on the other hand, get salary-cap relief as a result and will save around $5.1 million.
After the news became official, Rudolph published a lengthy letter, titled “Dear Minnesota”, in the Player’s Tribune. The 31-year-old veteran reflected on the time he spent in a Vikings jersey while also thanking everyone that helped him and supported him during his time with the franchise.
“My career is my career, and I’m really excited about whatever is around the corner,” Rudolph added. “I think I have a lot of good football still to play—and the fire inside of me to win a Super Bowl is burning as strong as ever.”
Rudolph signed a four-year, $36 million contract extension with the Vikings in 2019 and had three years left on his deal. But his lack of productivity and decreased role on offense made Minnesota question their commitment to the veteran.
The breakup between the two sides was hinted by Rudolph earlier in the offseason when he publicly said that he wants to be more involved in the offense, either with the Vikings or with some other team. He also made it clear that he didn’t intend to take any proposal to rework his current deal.
Rudolph had one of his least-productive campaigns in 2020, managing only 28 catches for 334 yards and one touchdown. But this shouldn’t damage his chance to land a spot on a team when the free agency opens.
The teams in today’s NFL appreciate a tight end who can be an asset in both the passing and blocking game, which is the skill Rudolph demonstrated throughout his career. He should also come rather cheap in proportion to his reputation, so expect contenders to be aggressive in trying to sign him.
