TJ Hockenson, Vikings agree to record four-year extension
Tight end T.J. Hockenson and the Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a record four-year extension that will make Hockenson the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport first reported Thursday morning.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Hockenson’s deal will be worth $68.5 million over four seasons with $42.5 million guaranteed, the most guaranteed money for a tight end in NFL History. His $17.1 million average annual value also tops Darren Waller ($17M AAV), George Kittle ($15M AAV) and Travis Kelce ($14.3M AAV) for the highest AAV for a tight end leaguewide, per Spotrac.
Hockenson was previously entering 2023 with one year and $9.39 million (fifth-year option) left on his deal. He had yet to participate in training camp in-part due to injury, though there were hopes that there would be a new deal secured by the season-opener on Sept. 10.
TJ Hockenson was traded in-division from the Detroit Lions to Minnesota ahead of last year’s trade deadline. He was sent with a 2023 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick.
Hockenson, 26, blossomed once he arrived in Minneapolis, Minn., immediately turning into their second-best pass-catcher and one of Kirk Cousins‘ favorite targets behind superstar wideout Justin Jefferson.
The 6-foot-5 tight end hauled in 26 catches over his first four games in purple–setting an NFL record by a tight end–for 192 yards and one score. He finished with 60 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games with Minnesota, in addition to 10 catches for 129 yards in the Vikings’ lone playoff game against the New York Giants.
He tallied a total of 86 receptions for 914 yards–both career highs– with six touchdowns in 2022, tying a career-best.
It was paramount that a new deal for Hockenson came into fruition ahead of the new season. But now it’s time for Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to solely focus on signing Jefferson long-term as well.
This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned for updates.
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