3 Worst Contracts on the Vikings After the Release of Xavier Rhodes and Linval Joseph

In one swift move on Friday, the Minnesota Vikings cut two defensive veterans: former All-Pro cornerback Xavier Rhodes and former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Linval Joseph. The transaction saves the organization a world of money -- $18.59 million to be exact -- but Minnesota still has a plethora of ugly contracts on its current payroll.

We've brainstormed some of the others, and Vikings fans may not like the final verdict.

3. Riley Reiff

Vikings offensive lineman Riley Reiff coming off the field with an injury / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

To say that Reiff has underperformed since inking a whopping five-year, $58.75 million contract with the Vikings would be underselling his woes in the North Star State. We honestly wouldn't be surprised if it was reported that the franchise was considering cutting its losses by releasing the Iowa product. After all, it would save the Vikings close to $9 million in 2020, and we all know that Minny is desperate to free up cap room.

2. Kyle Rudolph

Vikings veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph / Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

To think that Kyle Rudolph banks $9 million per season for his pedestrian production is just ridiculous. Though he provides value as a blocker, the Vikings' offense simply doesn't demand consistency from the tight end position. Though Rudolph will flare up with a flurry of touchdowns every now and then, Minnesota giving him a four-year, $36 million contract in July of 2019 was a mistake. The two-time Pro Bowler recorded 39 receptions for 367 yards and six touchdowns this past season. That pretty much says it all, folks.

1. Stefon Diggs

Vikings wideout Stefon Diggs pregame / Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

In our eyes, Diggs simply doesn't deserve to be the Vikings' third-highest paid player. There's no denying Diggs' talent, but he's wildly inconsistent. He'll have a few blow-up games in a row, then go dormant for three or four contests. Does that sort of fluctuation justify Minnesota giving the Maryland product a monster five-year, $72 million contract? No way. For context, Diggs finished No. 17 in the NFL with 1,130 receiving yards in 2019, and his 63 receptions ranked No. 63. The former fifth-round pick was sensational in 2018, but he followed it up with a genuine stinker after getting paid the big bucks. That's to say nothing of his cryptic antics. The Vikings had better hope he bounces back in 2020.