There have been rumors swirling all offseason about the NewEngland Patriots trading for Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph but there were never reports that the two sides have talked, until now.

Deep in Albert Breer's Sports Illustrated MMQB article is the interesting tidbit, the Patriots and Vikings have now talked.

The only thing said is that the two sides have talked and he doesn't elaborate anymore if a deal is close but this is the first time that the two sides have actually been linked outside of pure speculation.

The Vikings need cap space and trading Rudolph would clear up $7.6 million in cash. The Patriots need tight end depth after Rob Gronkowski announced his retirement so it only makes sense that the two would try to work out a deal.

The Patriots do have Ben Watson, Austin Sefarian-Jenkins and Matt LaCoss on the roster but adding Rudolph would be a huge bonus.

The Vikings and Rudolph have discussed a long term extension but the two have sides have broken off talks and it's unclear if they will resume speaking. If the two can't get a long term extension done Rudolph will be a free agent after this offseason so getting something in return for him makes sense for the Vikings.

It's unclear what the Vikings are asking for in return for Rudolph, or if they even have intentions on trading him but if they do it appears the trade front with the Patriots could be heating up.