Tight end T.J. Hockenson has had a solid run as a member of the Minnesota Vikings, but his days in Minnesota may be numbered.
The Vikings could be looking to free up some salary cap space over the offseason, and cutting the veteran tight end could be an avenue to that end.
Vikings predicted to cut T.J. Hockenson
In a recent article, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts that the Vikings will indeed cut Hockenson to free up $9 million or more in cap space, citing declining production and injury concerns.
From Schatz:
“With little cap space, the Vikings will say goodbye to tight end T.J. Hockenson, who has had injury issues and is coming off two straight years with fewer than 500 receiving yards. He ranked 35th among tight ends in ESPN's receiver scores this season. Cutting Hockenson would save the Vikings nearly $9 million in cap space before June 1 and $16 million if designated after June 1.”
Hockenson is a solid player who has made two Pro Bowls in his career. But, the Viking could probably get comparable production at the position for a cheaper price, and with other needs to address, it makes sense that the Vikings would look to shed cap space where they can.
Minnesota will have an opportunity to identify a replacement for Hockenson in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. They could also look to fill the position with a cheaper option via free agency.
Meanwhile, Hockenson is still just 28 years old and should still have some productive play in front of him. He'll land somewhere else if the Vikings do decide to move on.
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