Vikings Expected to Extend TE T.J. Hockenson This Summer
When it comes to potential contract extensions for Vikings stars, all the attention right now is on Justin Jefferson and Danielle Hunter. The former made headlines by showing up to mandatory minicamp this week after missing all of OTAs, while the latter is officially holding out due to his contract situation.
Then there's T.J. Hockenson, who has just gone about his business all offseason without any drama, even though he's headed into the final year of his contract. Hockenson was present all throughout OTAs, and he said in March that he hopes to be with the Vikings for a long time.
At this point, there's no reason to think that won't happen. Both Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell have spoken positively about Hockenson's fit in their offense since they acquired him from the Lions in a midseason trade last November. He was highly productive in ten regular season games and one playoff contest after the trade, catching 70 total passes and hanging 100 yards on the Giants twice. Hockenson, who turns 26 in a couple weeks, seems to be a perfect long-term complement to Jefferson.
In assessing Hockenson's situation recently, ESPN's Kevin Seifert said it's clear the Vikings plan on extending the Pro Bowl tight end — but that it may not happen until later this summer.
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said acquiring Hockenson from the Lions at the 2022 trade deadline "was a today move" as well as one that gives them "the ability to keep him around for a long time."
While the Vikings' financial attention has been occupied elsewhere this offseason, most notably in a complicated contract negotiation with All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, it's clear they plan to address Hockenson's deal as well. Progress is more likely to take place later this summer.
Even though the Vikings signed Josh Oliver to a sizable multi-year contract in free agency this year, that wasn't done to replace Hockenson. The Oliver addition was about complementing Hockenson with another tight end who can spend more time blocking and add to the offense's personnel versatility.
Unless something changes, expect a Hockenson extension to be signed and announced at some point before the 2023 season begins. He'll almost certainly end up making at least $15 million per season, which would place him among the highest-paid TEs in the NFL.
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