As we move forward to the start of training camp, teams are preparing for the start of practice, but also looking toward the future. July and August come a lot of contract extensions.
Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger identified the most important potential extensions at each position and he included two Minnesota Vikings: tight end T.J. Hockenson and edge rusher Danielle Hunter.
The extensions for both players are something that the Vikings need to accomplish this offseason, but Hockenson’s can theoretically wait until later with the franchise tag being likely if they don’t get it done.
The former No. 8 overall pick could not have been more productive in his half-season with Minnesota, with his 60 targets from Week 9 on ranking second at the position, his 10 contested catches ranking first and his yards after the catch and explosive receptions both ranking in the top 10.
Hockenson isn’t the blocker Kittle is and his production was in large part tied to crazy volume, but he enters 2023 as the clear No. 2 target in a pass-heavy offense that is going to feed him the ball. He should provide the boost to a stagnant position market that deserves to grow at a much faster clip.
Hunter’s potential extension is a difficult one. He signed a very team-friendly extension in 2018 which is complicating things for a new extension. He is currently slated to make only $5.5 million in new money this season due to the Vikings moving money up in his contract due to his impressive performance.
The interesting angle here may be more about veteran edge rushers and how the market shapes out for guys still playing at a very high level entering their 30s. Last offseason, Chandler Jones signed a three-year, $51 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders and Von Miller signed what is effectively a three-year, $52.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. Jones was ineffective, and while Miller was his usual game-breaking self to start the year, he tore his ACL. What makes their seasons interesting is the juxtaposition to a lot of other veteran edge rushers who signed far smaller deals but were extremely productive.
The intrigue is very real with potential extensions for both of these players, along with Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins. Considering that general manager has only signed two players to non-rookie contracts longer than two seasons, how he handles these will tell us a lot about how he wants to conduct business and construct his roster.
