The Facts: Veteran players could feel the pinch of the expected salary cap dip in 2021 due to the still-raging COVID-19 pandemic. One such player is Rudolph, who, based on dwindling production, snaps, and a high contract, is a prime example of a player who could be released and/or asked to take a hefty pay cut. From Rudolph's point of view, he deserves all his contract entails, telling the Unrestricted with Ben Leber podcast he's "worth every dime."

Diehards Line:In 2019, the Vikings extended Rudolph's contract to lower the cap hit just two months after drafting Irv Smith Jr. in the second round. Rudolph has three years remaining on his contract. His 2020 cap hit sits at $9.45 million. The Vikes would save $5.1 million on the cap by cutting the TE with $4.35 million in dead money. Unfortunately for Rudolph, the Vikings sit at $12.8 million over the projected salary cap for 2021, and Rudolph generated just 28 catches for 334 yards and a career-low one TD in 12 games in 2020. "Early on last season, the writing was on the wall," Rudolph said. "I saw where our offense was going. I had like seven or eight catches in the first six games. It was just absurd. I was literally blocking all the time." Asked if the Vikings approached him about a pay cut, Rudolph was clear on his stance on the matter. "It wouldn't happen," he said. ... Rudolph can still be a productive player, but the circumstances in Minnesota don't favor him. The Vikes have a younger, cheaper option in Smith and are up against the salary cap. ... Stay tuned.