Chicago Bears 2021 Free Agency: Recent cap casualties to avoid

The Chicago Bears should pass on the recently-cut Kyle Rudolph

For 10 years now, the Bears have seen first hand how good of a player Kyle Rudolph is. He’s never been amongst the elite at the tight end position, but Rudolph has made a couple of Pro Bowls and is a model of consistency.

After a decade with the Minnesota Vikings, Rudolph will be playing for a different team in 2021. There will be no more one-handed, tip-toeing end zone grabs in purple and gold. Instead, maybe a team like the Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots or Jacksonville Jaguars pursues him.

Last year, the Bears took a chance on an aging Jimmy Graham and it paid off. This year, they could opt to cut him after just a single season, simply in order to save some money. If they do, Rudolph becomes an option.

But, the rise of Cole Kmet would be greatly impacted by bringing in Rudolph. Before exiting Minnesota, Rudolph pleaded with the front office for more targets. Instead, he’s now looking for a new team. If he came to Chicago, Rudolph’s expectation would not only to be paid accordingly, but to receive a good chunk of targets.

He doesn’t make sense for the Bears right now, even though he’s a fantastic player. Look for Rudolph to find a different home where he can get a bigger piece of the pie.