New England Patriots: 5 Trade targets on offense at 2020 trade deadline

4. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings

One of the more intriguing tight ends that could be on the trade market as the Nov. 3 trade deadline approaches is Minnesota Vikings veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph.

Rudolph has been a staple both in the organization and in the community in Minnesota throughout his lengthy 10-year NFL career, all of which has come in a Vikings uniform. But it might be time for Rudolph and the organization to part ways moving forward while the team will likely be having its eye on the future.

Rudolph could still help an offense in the league both this season and beyond, as he is still a solid red-zone target and a decent run-blocking tight end that could attract some teams throughout the NFL. That could make for an intriguing player for the Patriots to look at given their continued struggles at the tight end position ever since Rob Gronkowski retired a few years ago.

Rudolph is a player that could still contribute to a team at a high level for the next few seasons, as he will soon turn 31 years old but still has plenty left in the tank as both a pass catcher and run blocker in any offense.

New England has been linked to Rudolph in the past, so interest could still be there to bring the veteran tight end into the mix of things on offense now led by Cam Newton and company. He is certainly a big target in the middle of the field and in the endzone that would provide a boost to the passing game.

Rudolph and the Vikings might finally be parting ways this year if a trade partner arises and Minnesota likely looking to give Irv Smith Jr. more opportunities at the starting tight end spot. And the Patriots would be wise to at least take a look at Rudolph at the trade deadline.