According to The Athletic’s NFL insider Diana Russini, the Minnesota Vikings and tight end T.J. Hockenson are “far apart” on an extension.
Russini notes that Hockenson wants to reset the market with a historic contract extension for tight ends. That makes some sense as to why there hasn’t been a new contract.
Oftentimes, the latest player to get a contract extension gets the biggest one. It’s how things have gone in the NFL for years. Now, whether or not Hockenson is worth that type of extension is another discussion entirely.
Hockenson has been out with an ear infection that has impacted his balance and head coach Kevin O’Connell said on Wednesday that he was dealing with back soreness, hence why he only warmed up with the team.
The Vikings have the leverage here, as Hockenson is under contract for $9.32 million this year and have the franchise tag at their disposal this offseason.
