The Viking Age
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The case for the Minnesota Vikings to trade tight end Kyle Rudolph

By Adam Patrick

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Bears 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) scores a touchdown in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph (82) scores a touchdown in the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

More cap space please!:

In addition to having no first round draft pick in 2017, the Vikings only have about $21 million in cap space this offseason. Of course some additional moves can be made to improve that (one in particular with a player who wears the number 28), but trading Rudolph could only help Minnesota free up some more money to spend on other, more important needs.

If the Vikings were able to trade away Rudolph without acquiring another player’s salary, Minnesota would free up an additional $4.2 million in cap room. It is not a ton of money, but it is more to help the Vikings chances of landing at least one expensive free-agent they have their eye on.

Next: Is the criticism of T.J. Clemmings fair?

As for making up for Rudolph’s production, his value to Minnesota has never been one of incredible significance. Inserting David Morgan or a rookie in his place would be perfectly fine for the Vikings next season if the team did indeed decide to send Mr. Rudolph packing.

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