T.J. Hockenson just got the bag. This came in the form of a record-breaking $68.5 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, making the two-time Pro Bowler the highest-paid tight end in the entire NFL.
Talk about making a splash, right?
TJ Hockenson’s Record-Breaking Deal Has NFL Twitter Buzzing
Hockenson’s new deal will now allow him to pocket $17.125 million per season. That’s literally the highest salary any tight end in the NFL is set to earn, with Hockenson now topping the likes of Darren Waller, George Kittle, and Travis Kelce, to name a few.
You can be sure that NFL Twitter has been buzzing after hearing this news. Congratulations are in order for the 26-year-old, and fans were quick to heap praise on Hockenson on social media for his massive achievement:
TJ way to get your 💰 You earned it. Congratulations
— PA Sports 4 Life (@EricDavies01) August 31, 2023
Easily the 🐐 of TEs
— Drink More Water | Get More Sleep 🐬 (@hughart_michael) August 31, 2023
Hockenson rn pic.twitter.com/LzO1VApGdq
— Mojo Markets (@mojo) August 31, 2023
Big TJ Hockenson szn is upon us…
— LaQuan Jones (@RealDealFantasy) August 31, 2023
At the same time, though, there were more than a few fans that have been left in shock by the amount of money the Vikings have agreed to pay Hockenson over the next four years:
Holy overpay
— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) August 31, 2023
So basically the Mark Andrews contract with two years of salary cap bumps included. He’s a damn good player but he’s going to need to keep his expected 900/7 numbers to justify it. Kirk sure loves him though.
— Jay Flower (@JamesFlowerIII) August 31, 2023
Wow!!
That’s way more then I thought pic.twitter.com/mSkbuYyeeK
— The Owl (@TheOwl_NFL) August 31, 2023
@JJettasEra2 WE WON THE TRADE 😂🫵
— Eli (Joker) ❁ (@RealSportsFan69) August 31, 2023
Overpay. All of that should be going to Jjets.
— Kendall Beck (@KBeckEagles) August 31, 2023
holy overpay LMAOOOO
— Tee🥱 (@HimmyCarter_) August 31, 2023
that’s a lot for a TE pic.twitter.com/2E39DwLn7v
— pop (@imightbepop) August 31, 2023
NFL RBs rn pic.twitter.com/MRbu3Y4hxA
— PrizePicks (@PrizePicks) August 31, 2023
As that last tweet points out, Hockenson’s new deal comes at a time when there’s a big debate within the league regarding the value of running backs. This has been a major issue throughout the offseason with RBs even coming together to stand as one in making sure that the NFL realizes their value. Well, let’s just say that Hockenson’s new contract won’t exactly have these backs jumping for joy given how they’ve been fighting to get their own bag.
Needless to say, NFL Twitter is divided on this one. Some fans believe that TJ Hockenson deserves to get paid an insane amount of money, while others argue that he just isn’t worth his weight in gold. Whatever the case might be, the Vikings have already made their decision. The naysayers can hate all they want, but Hockenson is going to be laughing all the way to the bank.
There’s also no denying, though, that there’s going to be a ton of pressure on Hockenson this coming season. Minnesota has invested a ton of money on him, and it’s now time for him to live up to his new deal.
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