EAGAN — This offseason in Minnesota for Kirk Cousins has been shaped by get-to-know-them moments, whether new coaches, plays or teammates with the Vikings.

Kyle Rudolph has made a sharp first impression.

“Boy, he’s a friendly target,” Cousins said one sunny afternoon last month after completing a pass to his strong-handed tight end during non-contact drills when he wore a wireless microphone to allow the team’s video production department to create a brief highlight clip for the website. “It’s like throwing into a mattress.”

The eighth-year veteran has been happy to oblige his new quarterback, trying to, well, be the best piece of bedtime furniture he can be.

“That’s a new one for me. I’m OK with it. Try to make sure that he’s always getting a good night sleep, always be there for him. That’s kind of my role around here,” Rudolph said on Tuesday after practice.

Cousins recently described a play in a red zone situation when he looked at his two-time Pro Bowl tight end during his drop-back but sent the ball elsewhere. Quarterbacks coach Kevin Stefanski immediately offered some insight to the $84 million guaranteed man .

“In that situation, you might want to give Kyle a chance,” Cousins said, recounting what Stefanski advised. “Even though he looks covered, you have to throw him the ball. He’s open. He can prove you right.”

Having Rudolph available for drills with the first-team offense has been a welcomed bonus for the Vikings, considering he had surgery on his right ankle in February after playing through pain down the stretch of the season. Rudolph said he’s a couple of weeks ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation.