Veteran MN Vikings Pass Catcher Restructures Bloated Contract
The Minnesota Vikings are quickly approaching the start of the new league year. Teams need to be cap compliant when free agency officially opens on March 11 at 3pm.
It has been full steam ahead for Rob Brzezinski since taking over as the head of Minnesota front office, who’s been busy trying to cut nearly $50 million from the 2026 books. Last week, the Vikings restructured a few veterans and cut some others.
TJ Hockenson sticking with Minnesota Vikings
Then Saturday evening, T.J. Hockenson’s situation got sorted out as well. A potential trade or cut candidate this offseason, the 28-year-old tight end has agreed to restructure his contract instead.
The Vikings have restructured the contract of tight end T.J. Hockenson, lowering his cap number by $5 million and keeping him in the fold for 2026, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 8, 2026
Rob Brzezinski and team have been busy clearing space and getting the Vikings in a positive spot… pic.twitter.com/BaAsOrcXo7
Before his restructure, Hockenson was set to carry a cap hit of $21.2 million in 2026. Now, that number will reportedly be closer to $16 million, allowing the Iowa Hawkeye legend to stick around Minnesota for a fifth season.
Cutting Hockenson would have left the Vikings with $12.4 million in dead cap penalties. Instead, he’ll contribute on the field for just $4 million more than that. Nonetheless, $16 million is a big number for any tight end, especially one who’s struggled with injuries and lack of production that past two seasons.
The pressure is on for TJ to produce this season. At 28, he may only have one opportunity left to cash in on a big contract before father time starts taking his money.
Last season, thanks in large part to poor quarterback play, Hockenson totaled a career-low 438 yards and just three touchdowns on 51 receptions. That was fresh off a 455 yards and ZERO touchdown in 10 games with Sam Darnold under center in 2024.
MN Vikings tight end situation gets clarity
If the Minnesota Vikings want to address their future at tight end with the best player available this offseason, they may get their chance at No. 18 with Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq. After an impressive NFL Combine performance, though, it’s possible he doesn’t make it that far down the board.
The Vikings will go into the offseason with Hockenson, Josh Oliver, and Ben Bartholomew rounding out their tight end room. Oliver was extended last season, and Bartholomew was a 2025 NFL Draft pick despite missing the season due to injury.
Free agency opens on Wednesday, and with many of the Vikings affairs in order, they’ll be looking to rebound from the lackluster 9-8 season they put up in 2025.
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