The Minnesota Vikings selected Irv Smith with their second-round pick in this year's draft. After Smith's name was called, it likely spelled the end of Kyle Rudolph's tenure with the Vikings.
The Vikings are tight on cap space with just $1.1 million remaining (32nd in the NFL). Trading someone like Rudolph could provide some cap relief as he is due $7.27 million in 2019.
The veteran tight end has spent all eight of his years in the NFL with the Vikings. In those eight seasons, Rudolph has averaged 48 receptions, 473 yards, and five touchdowns per season.
Rudolph is still a serviceable weapon on any offense as he is still only 29-years old. The last three seasons have been the best ones of Rudolph's career in terms of being a receiver.
The Vikings pass-catcher has caught 204 passes for 2,006 yards and 19 touchdowns for the franchise in the last three years. Money and having his replacement on the team are the only reasons why getting rid of Rudolph is a likely outcome.
There are a ton of teams who could benefit from trading for Rudolph's services.
Here are three teams who should pursue a trade for Kyle Rudolph before the 2019 season.
3. Houston Texans
Recently, the Houston Texans released Ryan Griffin at their tight end position. That likely leaves Jordan Thomas as the starter as of now.
The Texans also lost Demaryius Thomas in free agency, leaving Deshaun Watson with fewer weapons to work with. Of course, Deandre Hopkins is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL but he can't be the only one producing.
Will Fuller is talented but if he suffers another injury, where do the Texans go from there? Trading for Rudolph makes a ton of sense for Houston to fill a much-needed position.
Adding Kyle Rudolph would also help the Texans scoring woes in the red zone.
In 2018, the Texans ranked 29th in the NFL when it came to scoring touchdowns in the red zone—scoring a touchdown just 50% of the time.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars decided to make Nick Foles their franchise quarterback for the foreseeable future. Foles helped the Philadelphia Eagles make another playoff push in 2018 after Carson Wentz suffered another injury.
As we all know, Foles was crucial to the Eagles winning their first Super Bowl in franchise history in 2o17. He was at his best when he had a weapon like Zach Ertz to target within the offense.
Rudolph isn't as talented as Ertz in any shape or form but that doesn't mean Rudolph isn't talented in his own right. The Vikings tight end is a better receiver than given credit for in his career.
The Jaguars would be wise to try and make a move for Rudolph to give Foles a reliable weapon in the passing game.
We could see a lot of “Big Nick Energy” going on in Jacksonville if Foles is given a talented tight end.
1. New England Patriots
You can't have an article talking about a talented veteran player possibly being traded without mentioning the New England Patriots. Undoubtedly, Rudolph would be fine playing alongside Tom Brady.
Earlier this offseason, Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL. That leaves gigantic shoes to fill at the tight end position. The Patriots signed Austin Seferian-Jenkins to help fill the void but they could still look to add someone else.
That someone else could very well be Rudolph when it's all said and done. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Patriots have already had discussions with the Vikings about Rudolph.
Rudolph would make New England even more dangerous on offense with guys like Julian Edelman, N'Keal Harry, Sony Michel, and James White commanding large roles.
As much as it may hurt some fans to see, Rudolph could very well likely land in New England with the six-time Super Bowl champs.
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