Perhaps no players braced for more change during the Vikings’ latest offensive playbook transition than receivers and tight ends.
Receiver Stefon Diggs emerged as the league’s top deep threat after skipping half of a week of the regular season amid a sputtering 2-2 start and his frustration over the role in a run-heavy system. Tight end Kyle Rudolph was also told passes would come. But his hands became sore between Sundays because of blocking, not catching.
Both veterans eventually adapted, and could continue as mainstays if not moved this offseason by a front office that has paid a remarkable amount of talent and remains up against the salary cap.