Vikings release Rudolph after 10 seasons

The Minnesota Vikings released veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph on Tuesday, the team announced.

"From the moment we drafted Kyle as a young man out of Notre Dame in 2011, through his 10th season with the Vikings in 2020, he has been one of the premier tight ends in the NFL and most influential and positive leaders I've ever been around," general manager Rick Spielman said in a statement.

"Kyle and (his wife) Jordan have made such an immeasurable impact on our team and community that may never be matched. The energy they have invested in the community, most notably through the End Zone at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, is truly remarkable. I admire Kyle, and we will miss him and his family. We sincerely wish them the best."

Rudolph, who was the longest-tenured member of the Vikings, penned a farewell letter to the franchise and its fans, stating, "I'm so proud of the decade I spent here."

The 31-year-old is coming off a quiet campaign in Minnesota, registering only 334 yards and one touchdown on 28 catches through 12 games. His release will save the team a little over $5 million in cap space, according to OverTheCap.

The two-time Pro Bowler has racked up 453 receptions for 4,488 yards and 48 touchdowns since entering the league in 2011 as a second-round pick.

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