Rudolph bracing for possible trade from cap-strapped Vikings

Despite his preference to stay with the Minnesota Vikings, veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph acknowledged Monday that he could be traded in the near future.

"We're in a tough situation as a team," he told reporters, per the Star Tribune's Andrew Krammer. "You can't keep everybody, you can't pay everybody."

The Vikings are pressed up against the salary cap and have spent weeks trying to create financial flexibility. As it stands, Minnesota doesn't have enough cap room to sign its 2019 class of draftees.

One of those draftees, Irv Smith Jr., plays the same position as Rudolph. The selection of Smith in the second round fueled rumors that Rudolph, who's scheduled to earn $7.275 million in base salary in 2019, could be sent packing.

"My family, myself, we want to be here and we're going to do everything we can to be here," he said. "But that doesn't mean if the alternative happens and we do get traded - change happens."

The Vikings have been unsuccessful in their attempts to restructure Rudolph's contract thus far. Despite a report that talks have stalled, the tight end said Monday that his agent and general manager Rick Spielman remain in negotiations.

Regardless of how it plays out, Rudolph said he wants his situation resolved "sooner than later," according to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

"I don't want to be dealing with this come OTAs, minicamp, training camp," he noted. "... The Vikings want clarity. I think we want clarity."

Rudolph, who's spent his entire eight-year career in Minnesota, posted 64 receptions for 634 yards and four touchdowns last season.

The Vikings begin OTAs on May 21.

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