Cincinnati Bengals could target Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph
By Larry Horn
In the next couple of days, tight end Kyle Rudolph could become one of many players becoming a cap casualty from the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings are trying to make up $20 million in cap space and Rudolph would give them $5.5 million in cap space. Needing an upgrade at TE the Bengals should be interested in Rudolph.
The 32-year-old TE is about to enter the third year of five on his current contract. The Vikings will be taking a little time to evaluate trade options but no one wants to pay an average of $11 million to a 32-year-old for the next three seasons. Once cut there will be some interest in Rudolph.
The Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills have been interested in a trade but that has stalled. Now the wait for the cut is coming. For the right price, the Cincinnati Bengals should put their hat in the ring.
Interest in Kyle Rudolph
It has been more than a decade since the Bengals have had a proven veteran at the TE position. Rudolph is exactly that. Rudolph is an exciting TE and still has game as he did in his prime. He is still a very good red-zone target.
You can start with some of the easier cuts: cutting Dan Bailey saves $1.7M, cutting Britton Colquitt saves $1.8M, cutting Shamar Stephen saves $3.75M, cutting/trading Kyle Rudolph saves $5M. Might be able to rework some of those contracts or offer vet minimum to re-sign them.
— Nick Olson (@NickOlsonNFL) February 24, 2021
Kyle Rudolph could be coming home
Rudolph was an all-American at Elder High School. Rudolph is a Cincinnati native and his family still lives in the area. Former Packers linebacker AJ Hawk decided to retire in his hometown of Cincinnati. Returning to Cincinnati would good way for Rudolph to end his career.
Next. The Bengals could franchise tag DE Carl Lawson. dark
Rudolph would be a key part of a high octane offense with a quarterback that loves throwing to the TE. Even though Rudolph’s production was low in 2020 it would be great to see him come home.