Minnesota Vikings: NFL Insider Reveals ‘Most Likely’ Scenario With TJ Hockenson
Just a few months ago, the idea of TJ Hockenson returning to the Minnesota Vikings for the 2026 season seemed highly unlikely. With a massive contract and declining production since a major knee injury, many fans and analysts had already written him off as a cap casualty. However, a new report from a respected Vikings insider suggests there might be a path for the star tight end to stay in Minnesota, but it will require some compromise.
Minnesota Vikings Likely To Keep TJ Hockenson
According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, the “most likely” scenario is that Hockenson returns to the team next season, but on a restructured contract with a more manageable salary cap number. This development adds a new layer to one of the Vikings’ most pressing offseason decisions.
A Tale of Two Careers
Before suffering a torn ACL on Christmas Eve in 2023, TJ Hockenson was on a tear. In just 15 games that season, he was a dominant force, catching 95 passes for 960 yards and five touchdowns. He was the reliable, game-changing weapon the Vikings envisioned when they traded for him.
Since that devastating injury, his performance has been a shadow of its former self. In the 25 regular-season games since the injury, his numbers are nearly identical to those of that single, dominant 15-game stretch: 92 catches, 893 yards, and five touchdowns. While those numbers aren’t terrible, they don’t justify his massive contract.
Hockenson’s cap hit for the upcoming season is set to be $21.2 million, the highest for any tight end in the NFL. For a player whose production has clearly dipped, that number is simply untenable for a team looking to build a complete roster.
The Challenges of Last Season
Evaluating Hockenson’s 2025 performance isn’t entirely straightforward. As Lewis noted, the Vikings’ offense faced significant injury issues along the offensive line. Star tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill battled injuries, forcing Hockenson to stay in and block far more often than the team would have liked.
This change in role limited his opportunities as a pass-catcher and likely impacted his rhythm. However, it’s also true that he didn’t display the same “wiggle” or reliability in contested-catch situations that he did pre-injury. This combination of factors makes it impossible for the Vikings to justify paying him top-of-the-market money.
A Path Forward
The situation presents a clear choice for both Hockenson and the Vikings. Minnesota could cut him after June 1 to free up significant cap space ($16 million this season), but they would also be losing a talented player at a key position.
The more logical path forward is a contract restructure. If TJ Hockenson is willing to take a pay cut and lower his cap number, it creates a win-win scenario. The Vikings get to keep a valuable offensive weapon at a more reasonable price, and Hockenson gets to stay with a team and system he knows, giving him another year to prove he can return to his pre-injury form.
As Lewis put it, “If TJ wants to be back and he’s willing to shave off some money, that would make sense. If he’s not, then maybe you’re forced to move on.” The ball is now in Hockenson’s court. His willingness to compromise will likely determine whether his future is in purple and gold.
