Kyle Rudolph Is Now Available
Kyle Rudolph was employed by the Minnesota Vikings for 10 seasons, departing for the New York Giants in 2021 as a free agent. And his tenure with New York will be limited to one season as Rudolph was released on Wednesday.
Rudolph is 32 years old, grabbing 26 catches for 257 yards and a touchdown in 2021 during the first post-Vikings stint of his career. All told, he played about half of all Giants offensive snaps last season.
Immediately after the news of his release hit, follow-up information ensued, detailing Rudolph’s plans to continue playing. For now, the tight end is not retiring.
Normally in situations of yesteryear like this, it would be tempting to surmise Rudolph could return to the Vikings — the team will likely need a TE2 as Irv Smith Jr. returns from season-long injury in 2021 and fill-in TE1 Tyler Conklin [likely] leaves in free agency. Conklin will command a sizeable TE1 deal on the open market that the Vikings probably cannot afford.
However, the tendency to add former players back to the Vikings roster — Andrew Sendejo, Everson Griffen, Sheldon Richardson, Laquon Treadwell, Mackensie Alexander, etc. — is likely a practice of the past. Mike Zimmer and Rick Spielman are no longer in charge, so the chances of old players returning significantly reduce.
Nevertheless, Rudolph is a stand-up player and person, and Minnesota will indeed be shopping for a TE2. His days of commanding TE1 money are assuredly kaput. Theoretically, he could return to the Vikings for the final stages of his career, but the unpredictability of the new leadership regime is difficult to forecast.
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Rudolph is known for his redzone prowess, hands, and blocking. The latter characteristic improved markedly amid his Vikings career. He’s also the guy who caught the game-winning pass during the Vikings last playoff win in 2019.
Rudolph ranks second in Vikings history for yards by a tight end (4,448) behind Steve Jordan (6,307).
Free agency begins on March 14th.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. His YouTube Channel, VikesNow, debuts in March 2022. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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