The Minnesota Vikings secured a key piece of their offense today, and they had to pay a pretty hefty price to do it.
According to reports, the team signed tight end TJ Hockenson to a four-year, $68.5-million record-breaking contract today. His annual average salary of $17.125 and his $42.5-million in guarantees are both NFL records for the tight end position.
Hockenson had been pushing for a contract extension throughout the summer. While he didn’t hold out during training camp, he did sit out several practices with very minor ailments it what appeared to be a strategic maneuver during the ongoing negotiations.
In the end, both sides were able to come to an agreement, meaning the Vikings have another big piece of their offense locked up for the foreseeable future. Next up is a massive extension for superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson, which is expected to be coming any day now.
Hockenson was acquired by the Vikings at the trade deadline last season. He spent his first three-and-a-half seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions after being selected by the team with the 8th overall pick in 2019.
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In just 10 games with the Vikings last season, Hockenson was a beast. The former Iowa Hawkeye saw 86 targets from Kirk Cousins and turned them into 60 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns.
