Rudolph won't take pay cut to stay with Vikings

Kyle Rudolph hopes to stick with the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, but he won't take a discount to do it.

"No way," Rudolph said when asked if he'd take a pay cut to remain in Minnesota, according to Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune. "No, I won't, I am too young for that."

The 29-year-old Rudolph has been the subject of trade rumors ever since the Vikings selected fellow tight end Irv Smith Jr. in the second round of last month's draft. The veteran is set to earn $7.275 million in base salary during 2019, the last year of his current deal, while Minnesota is up against the salary cap and has little financial flexibility.

Even though Rudolph is bracing for a possible trade, he remains open to a contract extension and is letting his team and agent negotiate the terms.

"They're working really hard to get it done, and I hope it gets done," he said.

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

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