Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight finish TJ. Hockenson (87) catches a landing bass in entrance of Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Josh Newton (28) in the course of the second half at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Pictures.
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings had loads of cap concerns to handle as they regarded to get compliant and reshape the roster.
Amongst people who appeared considerably prone to transfer on from veteran tight finish T.J. Hockenson.
Hockenson Should Show He Nonetheless Belongs Close to the Prime
It’s not as if Hockenson isn’t a legit menace within the passing recreation or can’t present worth in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. It’s extra concerning the actuality that he’s an costly asset, and one which has not lived as much as expectations of late.
Acquired from the Detroit Lions 4 years in the past, there was loads of hype when he got here to switch the injured Irv Smith Jr. He lived as much as the hype in 12 months one with 960 yards and 5 touchdowns. Then the receiving complete was halved in 2024, and he failed to search out the top zone.
Minnesota Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson (87) carries the ball after a reception whereas defended by Atlanta Falcons security Billy Bowman Jr. (33) throughout second-half motion on September 14, 2025, at U.S. Financial institution Stadium in Minneapolis. Hockenson’s potential to achieve yards after the catch remained central to Minnesota’s passing assault because the Vikings labored to determine offensive rhythm. Obligatory Credit score: Matt Krohn-Imagn Pictures.
Final season, Hockenson returned from his devastating knee harm and performed in 15 video games for Minnesota. He scored three touchdowns however contributed a career-low 438 receiving yards. Regardless of being on the chopping block, Minnesota opted to maintain him round, and now he’s the fifth costliest participant on the Vikings roster.
This season, the Vikings could have arguably the most effective receiving corps they’ve had since going three-deep with Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. They’ve athletic operating backs in Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and the speedy Demond Claiborne. In addition they have Hockenson again at tight finish.
Minnesota Vikings tight finish T.J. Hockenson celebrates with large receiver Justin Jefferson after catching a landing cross towards the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Through the Sep. 21, 2025, house matchup in Minneapolis, Minnesota’s offense continued to roll behind its prime playmakers in an necessary early-season NFC marketing campaign. Obligatory Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Pictures.
Kyler Murray, assuming he’s the beginning quarterback, could have no scarcity of choices to focus on. Hockenson needs to be a protected and dependable checkdown. He should show that he’s nonetheless able to that, and may’t disappear for an additional 12 months or one other season. Hockenson is simply too costly to be an afterthought offensively, and he’s unlikely to see a considerable market subsequent offseason at 30 if issues don’t development again upwards.
Minnesota determined they didn’t wish to prioritize a rookie like Kenyon Sadiq, they usually didn’t wish to reallocate Hockenson’s funds by a launch. They should hope they’re proper, and Hockenson is the one one who can show it to them.
Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis primarily based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing ideas consistently on Twitter, … Extra about Ted Schwerzler
