The Minnesota Vikings took Jordan Addison with the 23rd-overall pick, then waited until pick 102 to take Mekhi Blackmon. The 55th pick would have filled the void, but the Vikings sent it to the Detroit Lions as part of the package for T.J. Hockenson.
“We’re excited about what we have and the group that we have, so we try to be really judicious with our opportunities, and this just happens to be one of them,” Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said when the Vikings acquired Hockenson in November. “[T.J. is] competitive, he fits into our culture, and he also gives us a lot of great roster flexibility with his ability to do things in the run and pass game, so I think we’re just excited about the opportunity.”
Given how well Addison runs routes and the preseason Blackmon has had, an Addison-Hockenson-Blackmon haul in the first three rounds looks pretty good. That is until The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Hockenson and the Vikings “are far apart” on a contract extension. Hockenson wants to reset the market for tight ends. Minnesota had to know that he was going to demand a large salary. But Hockenson increased his value with his play last season, and the Vikings have a lot of money on the books.
Hockenson had four days to prepare for Minnesota’s Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders. Still, he had nine receptions for 70 yards in DC and finished the year with 60 receptions for 519 yards and three touchdowns in ten games with the Vikings.
“Hearing the fans out there and how they travel,” Hockenson said after the game. “Walking out and they’re already yelling my name. This is pretty sweet, so I’m just really happy to be part of this organization and really happy to be a part of this team and there’s nothing else, nowhere else I’d rather be. It’s been awesome.”
Minnesota has options to retain Hockenson, but it gets complicated. Justin Jefferson could command $130 to $150 million on his next deal. The Vikings have Brian O’Neill on a long-term contract and must set aside money for Christian Darrisaw. They also must figure out their long-term quarterback situation. Kirk Cousins wanted a three-year extension in the offseason, but Minnesota declined. Instead, the front office restructured his contract, creating $28.5 million and $10.25 million dead cap hits the next two seasons. Cousins will cost them money, even if they move on from him next season.
The Vikings have options with Hockenson, though. They can let him play out the rest of his rookie contract and franchise tag him if they can’t reach an extension. Detroit was willing to part with Hockenson because of his contract situation. It made sense for the rebuilding Lions to stock up on draft capital and keep the books clean. But Minnesota is engaged in a competitive rebuild and needs Hockenson to complement Jefferson and Addison. It made sense to trade for Hockenson, but now they must pay him.
Ownership likely doesn’t have an issue with paying Hockenson. They paid half the cost of US Bank Stadium and built a state-of-the-art facility in Eagan. Last year, the NFL Player’s Association gave the Vikings an A for how they treat players. They want to retain their best players. But like every other team in the league, Minnesota must abide by the salary cap. George Kittle has the biggest contract (five years, $75 million). Darren Waller makes the most per year ($17 million). Travis Kelce, Dallas Goedert, and Mark Andrews are all in the $57 million range. Hockenson’s attempt to reset the market makes it difficult, but not impossible, to keep the Jefferson, O’Neill, Darrisaw, Danielle Hunter, and Cousins core intact.
Hockenson hasn’t participated in contact drills during training camp because of an ear infection. However, he says that has cleared up. Now lower back stiffness is keeping him out of practice. Hockenson and Kevin O’Connell said the contract has nothing to do with his lack of participation in contact drills, and that he’ll be ready to go in Week 1.
Ultimately, it may not matter. Hockenson learned the playbook quickly after Minnesota traded for him, and the Vikings can franchise tag him if they can’t reach an agreement. However, Minnesota probably didn’t trade for Hockenson thinking he was a rental. He should be part of their long-term future. But can they allow Jefferson and Hockenson to reset the market at their positions and afford a viable quarterback while still fielding a competitive team? We’re about to find out.
