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Why The Vikings Still Need Kyle Rudolph

The Vikings just inked an extension for Kyle Rudolph, making him one of the highest paid tight-ends in the league, on a per-year salary basis.

Rudolph will turn 30 around mid-season this year, and has declined in his blocking and pass catching ability, according to PFF, the past couple years. In addition, the Vikings just drafted Irv Smith Jr. in the 2nd round, and have other TEs in Tyler Conklin and David Morgan that could also prove worthy of significant reps at TE - along with Smith.

All that, combined with the Vikings rather dismal salary cap picture, seemed to be pointing toward Rudolph being traded or eventually becoming a salary cap casualty.