TJ Hockenson resets NFL TE market with monster extension, per report

T.J. Hockenson was reportedly paid a huge extension by the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news.

The Iowa product will now be one of the highest paid tight ends in the NFL. The extension is for 4 years and worth $68.5 million. One of Kirk Cousins’ most reliable targets is locked down for the next few years.

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. https://t.co/v33TTeeS4D

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2023

Hockenson was traded last season after playing in seven games for the Detroit Lions. He spent the final 10 games of the season with Minnesota. Hockenson caught 86 passes for 914 yards receiving and 6 touchdowns last season.

Hockenson is now up there with the likes of Darren Waller, George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Dallas Goedert when it comes to the highest paid TEs in the league.

Minnesota won the NFC North with a 13-4-1 record last season. The Vikings ended up being eliminated in the Wild Card round by the New York Giants.

It looks like the Vikings wanted to lock up Hockenson’s extension before the season opener.