It's looking more likely tight end Kyle Rudolph may have to accept a hometown discount this offseason or get traded or released by the Vikings.
Contract negotiations, which could lower Rudolph's $7.625 million salary for the cap-strapped Vikings, were tabled Friday, a league source confirmed to the Star Tribune, fueling trade speculation and indicating a disparity between the Vikings and Rudolph over his worth. NFL Media first reported the development.
Ahead of Rudolph's contract season, general manager Rick Spielman drafted Irv Smith Jr. in the NFL Draft's second round, making for a potential trade or release of Rudolph if the sides can't agree on a new deal.