Vikings Playmaker Listed as One of NFL’s Worst Contracts

The Minnesota Vikings did not use tight end T.J. Hockenson to his full potential as a pass-catcher in 2025, and during the summer of 2026, he ended up on “worst contracts” lists. Funny how that works.

Hockenson accepted a paycut this offseason to stay with the Vikings, hoping to rekindle some of his pass-catching flair in Year No. 5 in Minnesota.

A Healthier Vikings Offense Could Change the Perception of Hockenson

T.J. Hockenson chats during a Vikings press conference at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland. — Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson addresses reporters during a team appearance at the Sport Ireland Campus as the franchise continued its international outreach efforts. The veteran pass-catcher spoke on Sep. 26, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, while Minnesota helped promote the NFL’s growing presence overseas through future global events and initiatives. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Bleacher Report: Hockenson’s Contract One of League’s Worst

BR’s Brad Gagnon identified 10 of the sport’s worst deals, and Hockenson, sadly, made the cut.

Gagnon wrote, “The Contract: 4 years, $66 million with $40.2 million guaranteed (extension signed in 2023). The Problem: The nearly 29-year-old has scored just three touchdowns since the start of 2024 and has fallen short of 500 yards in each of the last two seasons.”

“His body might not have a lot left. The Kicker: Hockenson is the third-highest-paid tight end in the sport and carries the top salary-cap hit at the position in 2026, despite the fact the team reworked his deal in March. There’s also no more wiggle room as he’s entering a contract year.”

The court of public opinion among Vikings fans is mixed on Hockenson — some were excited to perhaps start a fresh era at tight end when the 2026 offseason began; others believed he deserved another trial as a pass-catching tight end in 2026.

The latter won out.

Sporting News‘ Michael Klaskey-Blomain on Hockenson’s deal: “It’s been three years since tight end T.J. Hockenson signed his record-breaking, four-year $66 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately for Minnesota, the deal hasn’t aged especially well.”

“Hockenson has had a good run, but his days of being a majorly impactful player on the offensive end might be behind him. The silver lining for Minnesota is that Hockenson has just one year remaining on his deal, so it won’t be an albatross for much longer.”

A Raw Deal

Let’s set the stage for Hockenson’s 2025 season. The Vikings were forced to use him as a utility player due to a struggling offensive line and numerous injuries. Head coach Kevin O’Connell even acknowledged that Hockenson was blocking significantly more than usual, which naturally led to fewer targets and opportunities for him to showcase his Pro Bowl talent.

Adding to the instability was a revolving door at quarterback, with J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all seeing action. It prevented Minnesota’s passing game from ever establishing a rhythm. Despite the challenges, Hockenson still managed 51 receptions for 438 yards and three touchdowns. While these numbers appeared modest on paper and drew criticism from fans, the game film reveals a different narrative.

Hockenson was essentially tasked with shoring up a fractured offense, often functioning as an additional lineman to prevent a complete collapse.

T.J. Hockenson lines up before a play during a Vikings road game against the Seattle Seahawks. — Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson gets set before a snap during second-half action against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. The veteran offensive weapon took the field on Nov. 30, 2025, in Seattle as Minnesota continued its push through the closing stretch of the regular season in a key road matchup. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Turning 29 this year, Hockenson retains all his key strengths: excellent route running and a vast catch radius. With a stable offensive line, a healthy quarterback, and a return to a dedicated receiving role, a rebound in his performance cannot be ruled out.

2027 Off-Ramp Scheduled

Just in case Hockenson never returns to his 2022 and 2023 form, the Vikings already have a contingency plan. When the veteran tight end took a paycut this offseason, the arrangement also slated Hockenson for 2027 free agency. For all intents and purposes, the upcoming season is scheduled as Hockenson’s last in the Twin Cities.

If he returns to pristine TE1 form — complete with receptions and touchdowns that match his contract — well, the club can extend him. It’s as simple as that.

On the other hand, if Hockenson’s career truly changed the moment he tore his ACL in December 2023, he can move to another team while Minnesota explores free agency or the 2027 NFL Draft for his replacement. It’s how the business works.

Don’t Forget That Kyler Murray Loves TEs

Hockenson might be in fabulous shape this season. Murray is trending as the frontrunner to win the QB1 job at training camp, and if so, Murray has a documented history of feeding tight ends.

T.J. Hockenson reacts after an incomplete pass during a Vikings game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. — Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson looks back after a missed passing opportunity during first-half action against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The play unfolded on Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit as Minnesota battled its NFC North rival in the regular-season finale with postseason positioning still on the line. Mandatory Credit: Kimberly P. Mitchell-Imagn Images

On Murray’s watch in Arizona, Trey McBride turned into one of the NFL’s best tight ends — perhaps the best — and Murray has a lot to do with that. McBride can likely feast with any quarterback, but he feasted with Murray especially.

Quarterback instability and inconsistency hurt playmakers like Hockenson and Jordan Addison in 2025. There’s a world where those woes end this September because Murray knows how to get the ball out on time and feed his pass-catchers.

But from a national perspective, Hockenson evidently has one of the worst contracts in the NFL.