Under contract:
There’s a pretty big group under contract here, starting with starters Kyle Rudolph and second-year player Irv Smith Jr.
Tyler Conklin returns for the third year of his rookie contract.
The team also signed Brandon Dillon to a futures deal.
Free agents:
David Morgan will be a free agent. While Morgan has been a fan favorite for his ability to run block, he missed the entire 2018 and five games the season prior. It seems unlikely he’s back with the Vikings given their depth, unless one of these guys is gone. Bringing us to . . .
Potential Cap Casualties:
By all accounts, Rudolph had a solid 2019 season. He was big in the team’s run blocking scheme and finished with six touchdowns.
But Rudolph is due $8 million next season and the Vikings can cut ties with him for a $5.8 million penalty. It will certainly be a talking point again this offseason, much like it was last offseason.
He’s projected to be the sixth-highest paid tight end in 2020. While Rudolph is great for the locker room and community, that contract is hard to justify.
