Super early 22-man starter projections for the 2023 Vikings
By Adam Carlson
Starting Tight End
- T.J. Hockenson
It is still a bit strange to think that T.J. Hockenson is a member of the Minnesota Vikings. It isn't that long ago that he was a consistent pass-catching threat for the Detroit Lions but those days are in the past now.
Hockenson arrived in Minnesota thanks to a midseason trade with Detroit after an injury to Irv Smith Jr. He would play in ten games for the Vikings, starting seven, and getting 86 passes thrown his way during his first season in purple and gold.
In his limited time with Minnesota, Hockenson caught 60 passes for 519 yards and three touchdowns. He should continue to be a consistent and reliable target for Kirk Cousins to take pressure off the receivers.
T.J. Hockenson will be 26 years old this season. He is entering the final year of his contract and will llkely be a priority for the Minnesota Vikings to extend before he has the opportunity to hit free agency.