ESPN2 Minute Reading
Will the Vikings back down this season?
Bill Barnwell expects some relegation for the Vikings in close games after their incredible success last season.
The Vikings did not disclose terms, but sources told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Adam Schefter that Hockenson will be one of the highest-paid tight ends in the NFL.
“He fits our culture,” Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Thursday. “He’s the type of player we want in Minnesota.”
Hockenson missed significant time during training camp and the preseason for a number of reasons, including an ear infection and back pain, according to the Vikings.
The Vikings have repeatedly attributed Hockenson’s absence to health issues, not his contract status. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said Thursday that he feels “pretty good” about Hockenson’s availability for Week 1 of the regular season.
Hockenson, 26, ranked second among NFL tight ends last season with 86 receptions for 914 yards. He is set to play in 2023 under the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, which is worth $9.329 million.
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert contributed to this report.