Minnesota Vikings sign tight end T.J. Hockenson to a long-term contract
The Vikings and T.J. Hockenson have agreed to an extension.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hockenson has agreed to a four-year, $68.5 million extension. Hockenson's $17.125 million average and $42.5 million in guarantees are the highest by a tight end in league history.
Compensation update: TJ Hockenson is signing a four-year, $68.5 million contract extension that resets the tight end market, source tells ESPN. The $17.125 million annual average and $42 .5 million guarantee are the highest for a tight end in NFL history. https://t.co/v33TTeeS4D
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2023
The 26-year old tight end was the eighth overall pick by the Lions in 2019. Minnesota traded a second-round pick in 2023 and a third-round pick in 2024 to Detroit for Hockenson at the deadline in 2022.
Hockenson was an instant impact for the Vikings catching nine passes for 70 yards in his first game in Minnesota. Overall, Hockenson finished the season with 86 receptions for 914 yards and six touchdowns, leading to his second trip to the Pro Bowl in his career.
ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that Hockenson had been a "hold in" during camp while the two sides negotiated the extension. Hockenson had said during camp he was missing time due to an ear infection with Kevin O'Connell saying later in camp that the tight end had recovered from the ear infection and was dealing with lower back stiffness.
Minnesota and T.J. Hockenson are finalizing a new deal that will make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends, per @jeremyfowler and me. Hockenson has been a “hold-in” during training camp and now can gear up for the regular season opener vs. Tampa Bay.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2023
