Could Kyle Rudolph return to Minnesota?

If Vikings fans were devastated when fan-favorite Kyle Rudolph and the team parted ways after 2020, they might be very relieved to know that a reunion could be in store. A return to Minnesota for the 11-year tight end, who spent his first decade in the NFL with the team from the Land of 10,000 lakes, is reportedly "not off the table." Minnesota's offense would offense would then be very complete, especially if Rudolph could contribute half of what he put up in his time with the team from 2011-2020.

After being drafted in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the former Notre Dame star would go on to start 132 of his 140 career games with the Vikings. The two-time Pro-Bowl selection caught over 450 passes for over 4,500 receiving yards and 47 receiving touchdowns in his time spent in the Twin Cities. His best season came in 2016 when he caught a career-high 83 passes on a career-high 132 targets for a career-high 840 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Fans remember Rudolph being the recipient of a game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Kirk Cousins in overtime in New Orleans during the 2019 Divisional Round. The former Pro Bowl MVP is almost certainly going to be a Vikings Hall of Famer when his career is over.

Looking at 2022, Minnesota would be a much better team with Rudolph in the building. He could continue to help guide young tight end Irv Smith forward. He could also provide a nice, tall red-zone target for Cousins and first-year head coach Kevin O'Connell (6-6, 265 lbs). He has always been a very solid run-blocker, especially when leading the way for the likes of Adrian Peterson and Dalvin Cook. After spending just one season with the Giants, the team cut ties with the Ohio native. But, it appears as if a return to the place he called home for 10 seasons could be in the best interest of both parties.