NFL Trade Rumors: Kyle Rudolph on Block After Vikings Draft Irv Smith Jr.

Kyle Rudolph's days in Minnesota may be numbered. 

The Minnesota Vikings selected Alabama's exciting tight end prospect, Irv Smith Jr., in the second round of the 2019 NFL draft on Friday night at No. 50 overall. Now, according to multiple reports, Rudolph could be on the trade block after that selection:

One major factor to consider—Rudolph is entering the final year on his contract. It's possible the Vikings selected his replacement in Smith and could therefore seek value for Rudolph in a trade before potentially losing him in 2020 free agency.

Rudolph, 29, caught 64 passes for 634 yards and four touchdowns in the 2018 season. His receptions and receiving yards were each the second-best marks of his career, though he registered his fewest touchdowns since playing only nine games in the 2014 campaign. 

He earned a grade of just 64.1 from Pro Football Focus in 2019, 35th among tight ends.

Rudolph has always been a threat in the red zone, with 41 touchdowns in 112 career games, a factor that could create a market if the Vikings indeed make him available. It's also possible that Minnesota keeps him for another season to utilize alongside Smith in two-tight end sets. 

Still, Rudolph's shelf life in Minnesota doesn't appear to be long. Given the money the Vikings have spent in recent years on quarterback Kirk Cousins and their own free agents, it would be a surprise if they retained the veteran tight end after 2019 with a cheaper and younger replacement on the roster.

Rudolph may or may not get traded this offseason. But he'll likely be wearing a new uniform in 2020.