Vikings' Rudolph to practice at OTAs despite uncertain future
Kyle Rudolph will practice with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 1 of voluntary organized team activities Tuesday even though his future with the team remains murky, he told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Rudolph and the Vikings have been engaged in contract talks since the draft, with Minnesota looking to decrease his cap hit and ease its payroll issues. The Vikings have also reportedly shopped the veteran tight end in trade talks in the event they can't reach an agreement with him.
The 29-year-old said last week he wanted clarity on his situation by the beginning of OTAs, even if it meant being traded. There is no indication that a new deal or trade is on the horizon.
Rudolph is scheduled to earn over $7 million in 2019, the final year of his contract. He's already stated he isn't willing to take a pay cut to stay with the Vikings.
Minnesota landed highly touted tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the second round of the NFL draft, giving it a potential replacement for Rudolph if it moves on from him.
Rudolph notched 64 receptions for 634 yards and four touchdowns last season and has spent his entire eight-year career with the Vikings.