6 most noteworthy Minnesota Vikings moments from 2023

Noteworthy Vikings Moment No. 6

Minnesota gives T.J. Hockenson a lucrative extension

Prior to the 2022 trade deadline, the Vikings decided to make a deal with the Detroit Lions to acquire Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Despite joining Minnesota's roster in the middle of the 2022 season, Hockenson was able to make an immediate impact, and he quickly developed into a favorite target of Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.

After the 2022 campaign ended, Hockenson entered the 2023 offseason with only one year left on his contract. Given his impressive performance in his 10 games with Minnesota, most assumed the tight end would end up signing a lucrative contract extension at some point in the offseason.

Oddly enough, the Vikings opened their 2023 training camp in July, and Hockenson still had not agreed to an extension. With no deal yet, the tight end coincidentally sat out of a handful of training camp practices with an alleged ear infection and a sore back.

Eventually, Hockenson and Minnesota were able to agree to a four-year contract extension worth $68.5 million that made him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL.

Miraculously, after he signed his new deal, his alleged ear infection and ailing back were no longer bothersome enough for him to miss practice.