Vikings Fans Reeling After Kirk Cousins Update — And Now T.J. Hockenson Could Be Next..1805
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Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Currently $46 million over the 2026 salary cap, the Minnesota Vikings have some tough decisions ahead after their roster overhaul last offseason did not produce a playoff berth.
Among the highest earners on the 2026 cap sheet is T.J. Hockenson, who carries a $21.3 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
In a 2026 offseason preview by ESPN, Aaron Schatz identified Hockenson as a potential cap casualty when free agency opens on March 11.
“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,” Schatz wrote. “He was tied for 33rd among tight ends in ESPN’s receiver scores through Week 17. Cutting Hockenson would save the Vikings nearly $9 million in cap space before June 1 and $16 million if designated after June 1.”
Hockenson signed a four-year, $66 million extension in the 2023 offseason that has heavier cap hits over the final two years of the deal.
Has T.J. Hockenson Declined?
Acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions at the 2022 deadline, Hockenson earned Pro Bowl honors in half a season with the Vikings. He tallied 60 receptions and 519 yards receiving in 10 games in Minnesota and totaled 86 receptions for 914 yards and six touchdowns between the two teams.
He was even better the following season, posting a career-high 95 receptions for 960 yards receiving and five touchdowns in 15 games before suffering a torn ACL and MCL late in the season against the Lions.
While Hockenson didn’t look the same on the field after returning midseason in 2024, he still graded out well as the No. 8-ranked tight end by Pro Football Focus (PFF).
The culprit of Hockenson’s perceived decline is partially the quarterback situation in Minnesota. Hockenson had the luxury of playing with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold previously, while this year’s run with J.J. McCarthy left many Vikings pass catchers grading below their previous seasons.
However, Hockenson’s cap hit cannot stand as is. He ranks as the second-highest paid tight end for the upcoming season after several down seasons. A restructure is possible, but a roster cut would better cauterize the cap situation.
How Can the Vikings Get Under the Cap?
Approaching this offseason all-in on McCarthy, the Vikings splurged by spending over $300 million in new contracts — some of which may be off the books by mid-March.
Veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen are potential roster cut candidates after middling performances this season. Cutting Hargrave and Allen would save $11 million and $4.2 million, respectively.
Starting center Ryan Kelly‘s future is uncertain after he suffered several concussions this season. His release would save $8.8 million in cap space.
Aaron Jones is also due $14.8 million for the 2026 season after Jordan Mason proved he could take on a bellcow role in the backfield. Jones could be cut to create $8 million in cap space, although he is a candidate to have his roster reworked.
Extending right tackle Brian O’Neill should be a priority this offseason as well as the Pro Bowl right tackle has a $23.2 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
The Vikings also have $22.5 million in 2025 cap space to rollover onto the 2026 cap sheet. A combination of these moves with the rollover should position Minnesota to not only get under the cap, but also acquire some talent to help fill roster needs.
Trevor Squire is a sports journalist covering the NFL and NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks. Trevor studied journalism at the University of Minnesota — Twin Cities, making stops at the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. You can reach him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @trevordsquire. More about Trevor Squire
