The Minnesota Vikings traded for TJ Hockenson before the deadline in 2022. The tight end picked up the playbook and quickly became a favorite target of Kirk Cousins. They must be happy with what they saw. The team inked Hockenson to a record-breaking deal on Thursday.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72598431/1448641110.0.jpg "Minnesota Vikings Ink TJ Hockenson To Record-Breaking Deal 1")
Minnesota Vikings Sign TJ Hockenson To Extension
NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported that the deal is a new four-year deal worth $68.5 million. The average per-year value of $17.125 million makes him the highest-paid tight end in the league. He was very productive in his 10 games in Minnesota. He caught 60 passes for 519 yards and three touchdowns which is impressive for someone who did not get an offseason with the team. The former top-ten pick will now look to become a dominant piece of the Minnesota offense alongside Justin Jefferson.
Smart Move?
Hockenson has not been without issues in his first years in the league. He has had a problem with drops and injuries which many thought would affect his value. Ultimately, his high-level play at the right time got him a huge contract. It isn’t necessarily a bad investment for the Vikings who are trying to build a premier offense in the league. Hockenson is still young enough that this contract can be justified. The Vikings are getting a top-ten tight end in the league for the next four years.
The Minnesota Vikings are hoping that TJ Hockenson can be even more dominant with a full offseason. The team looks to defend their NFC North crown when the season starts in just under two weeks.
