Oakland Raiders should inquire about Kyle Rudolph in potential trade
The Minnesota Vikings and Kyle Rudolph have hit a contract negotiation impasse. The 29-year old tight end could be a good fit with the Oakland Raiders.
After allowing tight end Jared Cook walk away during free agency, the Oakland Raiders selected Foster Moreau in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Although he’s an able pass-catcher, the team can explore a proven option on the trade market.
The Minnesota Vikings and Kyle Rudolph hit a rough patch in their contract negotiations. Andrew Krammer of the Star Tribune caught up with the 29-year old tight end for his comments on the stalled talks.
“It’s not what we’re rooting for…This is home. But hoping for a resolution sooner than later,” Rudolph said.
Rudolph’s contract carries a $7.6 million cap hit for the upcoming season, but the Vikings wouldn’t owe any dead money if they released him, per Spotrac. The front office selected tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the second round of April’s draft, which gives team brass the option to immediately replace the two-time Pro Bowler if the two sides part ways.
Moreau isn’t likely to fill Cook’s pass-catching role in Oakland. Head coach Jon Gruden has touted Darren Waller as someone with an opportunity to produce in the upcoming campaign, per Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Michael Gehlken:
Jon Gruden on TE Jared Cook: “It’s sickening to think we lost that guy. ...Darren Waller is very interesting. We’re going to give him a chance of a lifetime.” Raiders expected to draft a tight end next month.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 26, 2019
Waller can certainly challenge defenses in the passing game; he played wide receiver through three terms at Georgia Tech, racking up 51 catches for 971 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2016, he made the transition to tight end with the Baltimore Ravens, and then served a yearlong suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy.
The Raiders plucked Waller off the Ravens’ practice squad late last season; he caught six passes for 75 yards in four contests with the club. Still, the 26-year-old is a raw talent at the position.
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At the moment, Luke Willson is the most proven pass-catcher among the tight ends on the roster. He’s recorded 1,216 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns through six seasons. Derek Carrier and Paul Butler don’t have much of a track record in that aspect.
Rudolph has been a solid component to the Vikings aerial attack over the last three seasons, eclipsing 50 catches and 500 yards in each of those campaigns. In 2018, he recorded his best catch rate at 78 percent. The eight-year veteran is also a complete tight end who’s only allowed two sacks and three quarterback hits during his career, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Because Rudolph’s standing with the Vikings isn’t a secret matter, the Raiders shouldn’t have to send premium draft capital to acquire a tight end on the trade block. General manager Mike Mayock can offer a late-round pick to gauge interest in a deal, but there’s a second hurdle.
Rudolph wants a new contract. The Raiders have $29 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, and they’ve already signed five out of nine incoming rookies, leaving the top four picks without a deal. Mayock and Gruden could add another offensive asset for quarterback Derek Carr who’s entering a crucial season with improved personnel.
As the Raiders eye a move to a Las Vegas — a city in a no-tax state — Rudolph could find that appealing to his bank account.
The front office has signed off on deals that include a moderate bump in cap hit for the 2020 campaign. In that year, this club could physically transition to its new destination. Assuming they’re on the roster, offensive tackle Trent Brown and defensive back Lamarcus Joyner will see the biggest payouts next season.
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According to Spotrac, Rudolph lists ninth under annual salaries among tight ends. Going into his age-30 campaign, a raise wouldn’t hamper the Raiders’ financial flexibility moving forward. For a Day 3 pick, he’s worth a shot. With him, the offense could easily become a top-10 unit in the league.
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