Post by NoresemanSam on May 16, 2019 16:00:53 GMT -6
Not to mention, if Rudolph leaves, Laquon Treadwell starts crawling his way back up the depth chart again, because Smith can't play WR3 and TE at the same time. And don't try to tell me Morgan or Conklin are going to start logging serious snaps at TE. I respect David Morgan, I think he can play a larger role in this offense, but I am thinking like 15-20 catches. Conklin? I think my views on slower, weaker Laquon are clear enough.
So, I hardly think the Vikings hold all or even half the cards. Kyle Rudolph, if he is released in the 53 man cutdown, will have a job lined up the following day-and it won't be for significantly less than he is making now-unless he takes less to join a better team.
You're likely correct. I don't know what the cutoff is, but if keeping him one more year means getting a 3rd round compensatory pick, then that may be the correct play. Anything less may be "iffy." It may be time to simply move on from both Kyle and Treadpoor. I'm in the minority, but I like Morgan. I'm willing to roll the dice and see what we get. I think the drafting of Smith Jr. is the handwriting on the wall. Rudy is a dead man walking at this point (at his $7M+ salary).
And yeah, a guy makes $34 million dollars and he could certainly withstand the pain of not making another 7.65, but he doesn't have to. And, if you didn't have to, you wouldn't either.
That's just it. He's chosen to use the media and he makes statements like "I want to finish my career here," but then says "no way" when a pay cut is mentioned. He may need to choose one or the other.
I've consistently agreed with you that I would like to see him stay. It's just that I think his negotiating position is tenuous, and it is a business. I don't want to see us going back to bargain QB pay in order to pay an underutilized supporting cast.
... and neither is this Chris guy.