T.J. Hockenson, Vikings Agree to Contract Extension
A big topic in Minnesota this offseason has revolved around contract extensions.
Well, one of those extension dominoes has finally fallen as T.J. Hockenson and the Vikings agreed to terms on a contract extension.
The news was reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, who tweeted, “The #Vikings and T.J. Hockenson agreed to terms on a contract extension that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid tight ends, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Acquired from Detroit last fall, Hockenson has flourished in Minnesota. Now sticking around for the long haul.”
T.J. Hockenson Agrees to Contract Extension with the Vikings
The Vikings traded to acquire Hockenson last season at the trade deadline, sending the Detroit Lions a 2023 second-round pick and 2024 third-round pick. In return, the Vikings also got a 2023 fourth-rounder and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder.
Immediately, the tight end proved to be a vital part of Minnesota’s offense. Over the course of 10 games with the Vikings, he caught 60 passes for 519 yards and 3 TDs. He also had 10 receptions for 129 yards during the Wild Card loss against the New York Giants.
Throughout training camp, we didn’t get to see Hockenson on the field much. He dealt with an ear infection and minor injuries that left him sidelined while the two sides continued to work towards a long-term contract.
Hockenson’s contract details were initially reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, who tweeted, “Compensation update: TJ Hockenson is signing a four-year, $68.5 million contract extension that resets the tight end market, source tells ESPN. The $17.125 million annual average and $42 .5 million guarantee are the highest for a tight end in NFL history.”
Hockenson’s average annual value of $17.125 million slightly beats out the contract that Darren Waller got with the New York Giants. Waller’s three-year deal worth $51 million has an AAV of $17 million exactly.
However, we also have to keep in mind that players like Mark Andrews, David Njoku, and Kyle Pitts will be getting new deals before Hockenson’s contract ends. Hockenson may have narrowly “reset” the TE market in this area, but it won’t be long before we see an even bigger contract.
Meanwhile, the $42.5 million in guaranteed money is a bit more notable. George Kittle has the next highest amount of guaranteed money at $40 million, but Kittle’s contract is over the course of five years rather than four.
Mark Andrews’ total guaranteed is the next highest at around $37.58 million over four years. As a result, Hockenson now has a guaranteed amount of money that is about $5 million higher than we’ve seen anyone get over the course of a four-year deal.
Regardless, the Vikings TE has shown that he is worth a high amount of money. He was an intrical part of Minnesota’s offense last season and should continue to be so for years to come. Now, all the focus turns towards Justin Jefferson and his looming contract extension.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.