Rudy released

Well, it was a good run. Sad to see him go, but the salary cap is a MF and the NFL is a cutthroat league.

Vikes did him a solid here. Could've saved about $3M more by waiting until after June 1st, but it would've hurt Rudy's chances of signing with someone else. 

Thank you Minnesota!! Although my time as a Viking has come to a close, my time as a MINNESOTAN is just getting started! https://t.co/eb2aP3O4vo

— Kyle Rudolph (@KyleRudolph) March 2, 2021

@"Vikergirl" said: https://twitter.com/KyleRudolph82/status/1366881087939608581?s=19

Damn. Good player, stellar citizen.

I think it bodes well for keeping Rieff.

Was happy as hell when they drafted him,  and really enjoyed watching him become a true pro as a human.

@"MaroonBells" said: Vikes did him a solid here. Could've saved about $3M more by waiting until after June 1st, but it would've hurt Rudy's chances of signing with someone else. 

All class, all the time.  We will miss you Kyle.

A pro’s pro...best hands and smartest player I’ll ever play with (📸 AP) https://t.co/TPdzwCo6yM pic.twitter.com/cIlkzk1rWQ

— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) March 2, 2021

Pure class. Hate to see him in ANY other jersey....this "business" sucks sometimes.

Thanks Rudy.

@"BarrNone55" said: Damn. Good player, stellar citizen.

Such is life in the NFL. Good dude. He's got his whole life ahead of him. 

I've seen every game he's played in college and as a pro.  Great player and an even better person.  Wish he well and he will always be a Viking.

This move was made easier by the continued development of Smith, and Conklin really coming on the last month of the season.  It definitely puts us in the TE market during the draft and as mentioned I think this was first move in retaining Reiff

I like Rudy, but his last contract was wack, he was overpaid for the first 2 years of that contract. W/ no guaranteed money left this was inevitable. I wish him well...

Grab this guy late at a value price.
https://www.stampedeblue.com/2021/3/2/22308510/2021-nfl-draft-prospect-interview-shaun-beyer-te-iowa

Just when Rudolph figures out how to get yards after the catch, we let him go-- He was a very good player for us, excellent in the community, and I think it's the right time to pass the torch to Irv Smith. Hopefully, Smith can stay healthy and Conklin was a nice surprise last year. I think TE is in good hands, though I'd still another TE in the mid to late rounds for depth.

453 career receptions. 180 yac 

I expected it to happen sometime, but it still surprised me to actually read it.  Good luck Rudy.  Go sign with Arizona, everyone else is doing it  :p

@"Still Hurtn" said: 453 career receptions. 180 yac 

I've been a Rudy fan since he was a Rook.  He's gone but not forgotten - right up there with Steve Jordan in Viking lore.  Great career and thanks for all you've done as a Viking!