Kyle Rudolph Left the Minnesota Vikings a Couple Seasons Before They Went 14-3 in 2022, When They Lost in the First Round of the Playoffs to the New York Giants
Kyle Rudolph, a former tight end for the Minnesota Vikings, believes that the team has to make the most important plays in the most crucial moments. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Rudolph stated that the Vikings did not make the most necessary plays in the final games of the 2022 season, resulting in another first-round playoff exit.
The team is now faced with the dilemma of whether to keep quarterback Sam Darnold or hand the offense to J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings drafted McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but his season was cut short due to a knee injury. This allowed Darnold to take the starting quarterback position and have the best season of his career.
Darnold’s performance may have earned him a lucrative contract, but Rudolph thinks that it’s challenging for the team to afford him. “I think it’s tough to see Sam Darnold returning to the Vikings,” Rudolph said. “He might have to take a discount.” However, there’s also the option of franchising Darnold, which would offer a one-year deal and a significant salary cap hit.
Rudolph believes that Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell can bring out the best in any quarterback, citing Jaren Hall, Josh Dobbs, and Kirk Cousins as examples. O’Connell has demonstrated that he can get the most out of his quarterbacks, and Rudolph thinks that McCarthy could be another success story.
The team will likely be looking at options for their quarterback position, and Rudolph believes that it’s difficult to see Darnold returning. However, with the franchise tag option available, it’s possible that the Vikings could keep Darnold on a one-year deal.
Rudolph also addressed the debate about the Kansas City Chiefs’ supposed advantage in the playoffs, suggesting that it’s not a result of favoritism. “They’re on national TV almost every week, and they’re making deep playoff runs,” he said. “It’s just what you see more, and it triggers their psyche to throw the flag.”