Minnesota Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson becomes highes-paid tight end in NFL. What do we know about his deal?
In a sport where QBs are by far the highest earners, it’s interesting to see the gradual shift in terms of what players in other positions are earning.
Though the Vikings’ tight end will definitely be making headlines with his new deal, perhaps the more intriguing question will be what kind of effect his situation has on the general market for tight ends in the NFL.
T.J. Hockenson becomes the highest-paid tight end in the NFL
According to reports on Thursday, the Minnesota Vikings and two-time Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson agreed to a record-breaking contract extension that will see him become the highest paid at his position. Where details are concerned, it’s understood that Hockenson put pen to paper on a four-year deal worth $68.5 million. To that end, the 26-year-old will now pocket an average annual salary of $17.125 million, with $42.5 million in guarantees. Needless to say, Hockenson’s deal will have an effect on the market for tight ends going forward.
Is T.J. Hockenson worth it?
Quite frankly yes. It would be a shock if he didn’t hit the ground running once again - pun intended - when he takes to the field for the Vikings this coming season. The franchise of course acquired Hockenson from the Detroit Lions last season after which he went on to register 60 receptions for 519 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games with the team. To be clear, the former Lions first-round pick set an NFL record with 26 receptions in his first four games with the Vikings. That’s to say, it makes perfect sense that the team has chosen to offer the tight end a long-term term deal. His explosiveness and talent are hard to deny and so the question now will be more about whether or not he can be as consistent as he is prolific. Across his career so far, Hockenson has posted 246 catches for 2,587 yards, and 18 touchdowns across 49 starts. As for the Vikings, they will begin their 2023-24 campaign against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 10th.
The Vikings are set to spend even more
While it’s true that Hockenson is the first big contract of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and head coach Kevin O’Connell’s time with the Vikings, it’s likely not going to be the last. With the team having offloaded running back Dalvin Cook, and drafted wide receiver Jordan Addison with No. 23 pick in this year’s draft, the focus now turns to 2022 Offensive Player of the Year and star receiver, Justin Jefferson. By all accounts, Jefferson could well be offered the biggest salary for a receiver in NFL history if projections prove to be true. After all, we’re talking about a player who set an NFL record for most receiving yards in a player’s first three seasons with 4,825. Watch this space.