The Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, March 7 finally made the long-awaited decision on tight end T.J. Hockenson’s future with the franchise.
Hockenson, a two-time Pro Bowler, was a cut candidate with NFL free agency just around the corner given the structure of his $66 million contract. However, he and the team reached an agreement over the weekend to rework that deal and keep Hockenson in Minneapolis for at least the 2026 campaign.
“The #Vikings and TE T.J. Hockenson have agreed to terms on a restructured contract to keep him in Minnesota, per me and @TomPelissero,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network wrote. “He had a $21.3M cap number and this saves about $5M in space. Interim GM Rob Brzezinski and team have been clearing space and getting to a good spot by Monday.”
Hockenson is under contract through the 2027 campaign. He will play next season at 29 years old.
The Vikings traded with the Detroit Lions for Hockenson at the mid-point of the 2022 season, which was the tight end’s last Pro Bowl campaign. In three and a half years with Minnesota, Hockenson has played in 50 total games, starting 42 of those. He has tallied 247 receptions for 2,372 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
Hockenson is part of a pass-catching corps that includes Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison at wide receiver. The team’s No. 3 WR last season was Jalen Nailor, though he is bound for free agency on March 11 and is likely to play elsewhere in 2026 and beyond.
Minnesota’s weapons in the passing game are expected to make the team a top destination for most available quarterbacks in free agency, including two-time Pro Bowler Kyler Murray who the Arizona Cardinals will release early next week.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.