Kyle Rudolph release puts Kyle Pitts in play for the Vikings
By Dean Jones
The release of Kyle Rudolph puts Florida tight end, Kyle Pitts, in play for the Minnesota Vikings at No. 14 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Although the move was expected, it will be strange seeing Kyle Rudolph in anything other than Minnesota Vikings uniform next season. The Pro Bowler was cut loose by the organization on Tuesday after a standout career that spanned a decade and came with plenty of moments that will live long in the memory.
Who will ever forget Rudolph’s walk-off touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the 2019 postseason, which was undoubtedly one of the greatest moments in Vikings‘ playoff history?
Things didn’t go to plan for Rudolph in 2020 and it was something he voiced his displeasure about when the season came to a conclusion. The former Notre Dame star was unhappy with the way he was utilized throughout the campaign – receiving just 37 targets over 12 games to record 28 catches for 334 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Considering how much the Vikings are up against it from a salary-cap perspective, releasing Rudolph was inevitable. This allows the team to move forward with Irv Smith Jr. ahead of a crucial third-year in a professional environment and also gives Rudolph a head start on free agency for the next stage of his journey.
However, Minnesota might also want to consider finding an upgrade in the 2021 NFL Draft with another Kyle who could be a revolutionary player at the position.
Kyle Pitts is in play for the Minnesota Vikings at No. 14.
Kyle Pitts was one of college football’s most dynamic playmakers. The Florida prospect has everything one looks for in a prolific tight end at the next level and he is going to be one of the first names called when it’s time for NFL teams to select their next batch of recruits.
Simply put, Pitts has it all. He never drops passes, he has the athleticism to get open at will, and he can operate anywhere across the line of scrimmage with equal effect.
When looking at college highlights from 2020, it’s not difficult to find Pitts coming up with several big plays. His insistence of playing tight end over quarterback even saw him transfer high schools despite his young age. So this dream of being the next great pass-catching tight end in the NFL is something he’s dreamt of for quite some time.
Rudolph’s veteran presence will be sorely missed within the locker room. But if the Vikings can get their hands on Pitts, it would soften the blow in no uncertain terms.
Putting the former Gator in an offense that includes Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, and Dalvin Cook is a mouth-watering prospect and one that could see quarterback Kirk Cousins thrive next time around providing Minnesota’s protection improves.
Whether Pitts will be there at No. 14 overall is another matter entirely. There promises to be a big move for quarterbacks in the top-10 that could see the prospect fall and if he does make it to the Vikings, they should not hesitate despite other needs elsewhere.
This is a deep class for offensive linemen that can be addressed later on with some plug-and-play starters on the interior. There is also an obvious need to bolster a defense that went through its fair share of complications last season. But players with Pitts’ elite skill set simply don’t come along every day.
Cutting Rudolph ahead of time was a necessary evil for the Vikings. However, there could be a big upgrade coming Minnesota’s way if positional importance sees Pitts fall into their laps.