When the Vikings were off to a 1-5 start, a fire sale of players did not seem to be out of the question.
Minnesota traded away defensive end Yannick Ngakoue before the deadline. It seemed like some other veterans on costly contracts might be next, considering where the team was at in the short term.
One of the names fans and analysts suggested was Kyle Rudolph. However, the longtime Vikings tight end of course stayed with the team for 2020 and remains and important player for them.
Bleacher Report suggested that should change. The outlet listed a possible trade involving Rudolph going to Washington as something Minnesota should do in 2021. Here’s what it said about the deal:
“A team like the Washington Football Team comes to mind as a suitor. Ron Rivera’s squad could use a reliable veteran at the position, especially considering the long-term move under center would be to play Dwayne Haskins Jr. or a rookie. Either way, Rudolph’s contract would be more than worth taking on if it helps develop a younger guy.
Keep in mind, this could be a bigger move than projected given how awful the NFC East is this year, a trend that could easily extend into 2021. With Minnesota’s likely desire to get out of the contract given its projected lack of 2021 cap space ($5.2 million over), it might cost as little as a third-round pick.”
With fellow Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. showing promise, it makes some sense for the cash-strapped Vikings to move on from Rudolph in 2021. At least for the Vikings’ sake, the team gets to keep both tight ends around for 2020.
