After trading for him at the trade deadline last fall, the Minnesota Vikings have committed long-term to T.J. Hockenson, as they have agreed on a contract extension.
Details of the contract have not been released as of this writing, but the expectations are that he eclipses George Kittle’s $15 million per year and less than Darren Waller’s $17 million per year.
Buy Vikings TicketsThe Vikings fanbase have been waiting for this moment and they didn’t hesitate to share their thoughts on social media.
He was holding in
T.J. Hockenson had been dealing with an ear infection and back pain for the last month. The injuries appeared to be part of his "hold in" in order to get this new contract. He now gets his deal and the team gets their top tight end for next week.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 31, 2023
Minnesota and T.J. Hockenson are finalizing a new deal that will make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends, per @jeremyfowler and me. Hockenson has been a “hold-in” during training camp and now can gear up for the regular season opener vs. Tampa Bay.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2023
The jokes about his ear infection were in full force
That’ll clear up an ear infection fast. https://t.co/xjLvfGUzZ3
— Scott Warheit (@swarheit) August 31, 2023
"My ear is now fine." https://t.co/UEKJYETCQP
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) August 31, 2023
T.J. Hockenson after signing this extension. https://t.co/jfSmf6Gq0Z pic.twitter.com/qzNxj2vbtW
— Chris Schad (@TheRealCrishad) August 31, 2023
Intrigue about the contract extension terms
T.J. Hockenson is part of the Vikings long-term plans.
Very interested in the contract structure, particularly APY and length.
Deal should open up cap space in 2023 https://t.co/Lek95oJgf3
— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) August 31, 2023
George Kittle is the highest paid tight end at $75,000,000 for 5 years.
Dawson Knox the 6th highest paid, on a 4 year $52,000,000 deal.
I believe T.J. Hockenson will get a 4 year, $60,000,000 a year making him the 2nd highest paid tight end. #skol
— Leighton Glodek (@LGlodek) August 31, 2023
"One of" the highest-paid TEs means a significant raise but probably not Kelce or Kittle money. Which I think is a really good fit for team + player. https://t.co/NdBl0rj0yz
— Mario Rossi 🐶🏀 (@mariovrossi) August 31, 2023
The excitement is palpable
https://t.co/tH1W6VnIgX pic.twitter.com/xZonfXxTyo
— Paul Lambert (@MeatSauce1) August 31, 2023
Fantasy football analysts are excited
Don’t let the fact that the Vikings have Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison deter you from drafting TJ Hockenson.
He will get PLENTY of targets. Teams don’t pay big money to their guys for fun. 💰💪🏻
My 2023 Projection:
▪️TE4 overall
▪️Avg 6+ Targets/G
▪️AVG 12+ FPPG https://t.co/x6aq0Pnzno— PPRFantasyTips (@PPRFantasyTips) August 31, 2023
NOW FEED HOCK
He’s my TE2 TE this year & I think he’s going to EAT
Justin Jefferson = #1 team target share
T.J. Hockenson = #2 target share
Jordan Addison = #3 target shareCousins threw 643 times in 2022.
More of the same! 🚀 https://t.co/WBYw9x5kDa
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) August 31, 2023
Lions fans are laughing at the Vikings
Detroit Fans. We dodged this one thank god #OnePride https://t.co/aKfZzw96nt
— B (@B_Eds517) August 31, 2023
The most overrated tight end in the league. https://t.co/Tc4CNhmH1V
— Joey Oliver (@Joey_Oliver) August 31, 2023
Glad we dumped his ass. #onepride https://t.co/ezyeCbjkVV
— DetroitDen313 (@DetroitDen313) August 31, 2023
Brad Holmes fleeced and got them to pay up https://t.co/uUH3ydlq8L
— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) August 31, 2023
Brad’s foresight with Hock allowed us to avoid the cap issues that are caused by paying a TE $12M+ a year.
We gained cap flexibility, and capital in the draft to allow us to land Hendon Hooker.
I would also bet in 3 years time Sam LaPorta is better 🤷🏻♂️#Lions #OnePride https://t.co/sr3axTbEtr
— FυɛӀɛժ ву мσтσωη (@FueledByMotown) August 31, 2023