T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
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T.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings are currently scrambling to get under the cap ceiling on the 2026 books.
They’ve recently announced the pending releases of Aaron Jones, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen. An additional move they may be making is a trade of edge rusher Jonathan Greenard.
A major domino has fallen regarding the cap situation in the form of a decision on TE T.J. Hockenson.
Vikings Announce Restructure of TE T.J. Hockenson
Minnesota Vikings
Christian Petersen/GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 13: T.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The report comes from Tom Pelissero onX.
“The Vikings have restructured the contract of tight end T.J. Hockenson, lowering his cap number by $5 million and keeping him in the fold for 2026, sources tell me and Ian Rapoport.
Rob Brzezinski and team have been busy clearing space and getting the Vikings in a positive spot entering the negotiation window Monday.”
Minnesota is now projected to have a little over than $30 million in available cap space. They must keep around $10 million in cap space open to sign their rookie class.
Minnesota Expected To Sign QB Kyler Murray, per NFL Insider
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray takes the field against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on after losing to the Minnesota Vikings 23-22 at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The report came from reputable New York Jets and Giants sports reporter Connor Hughes onX.
While informing his following of New York Jets fans about their strategies at QB this offseason, he brought up Kyler Murray.
“Kyler Murray was discussed [by NYJ], but he is expected to sign with the Vikings, per sources.”
This isn’t really something an insider will just “say”. If they are confident enough in what they’re saying, there is legitimate steam there. This likely means that the rest of the league is in on the fact that Murray will sign with Minnesota.
It will be interesting if Murray is to sign with Minnesota, seeing as he would be the presumed starter immediately. The Vikings claimed they wanted competition, but would they really hold one between Murray and McCarthy knowing that it’s probably a pre-determined outcome?
Minnesota, Joe Flacco Brought Together In Speculation
Joe Flacco
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 26: Joe Flacco #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
A new name has been thrown into the hat, coming from Zach Rosenblatt of The Athletic.
Rosenblatt downplayed the Murray steam, and predicted the Vikings to go after Joe Flacco (and Anthony Richardson). For now, we’ll cover Flacco.
“Flacco makes some sense as a fallback option. He showed last season in Cincinnati that he’s still capable of leading an offense: He threw for 13 touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games.
He’s a good veteran presence to have in any quarterback room, especially one with two young quarterbacks, and he’s looking for an opportunity to at least compete to start — which he’d get in Minnesota.
Also, according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, Flacco was “very much in play” for Minnesota last season before it settled on Carson Wentz — who shouldn’t be ruled out entirely as an option either.”
Flacco spent his 2025 season in the state of Ohio. It began in Cleveland before he was traded to Cincinnati to aid in their QB room with the injury of Joe Burrow and poor play of Jake Browning.
Flacco’s coming off a season in which he threw for 2,479 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 13 appearances. He will be an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday, and will definitely have suitors.