5 most untouchable players on the 2023 Minnesota Vikings

Vikings player No. 4

T.J. Hockenson, tight end

Even though he hasn't played a full season for the Minnesota Vikings yet, T.J. Hockenson has cemented himself as the number two option in the team's passing attack since arriving in a trade with the Detroit Lions.

At only 26 years old and considered to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL, the future is extremely bright for Hockenson. When combining his Detroit and Minnesota stats for last season, he ties his career-high in touchdowns and had career-highs in receiving yards (914), receptions (86), and first-down catches (44).

It wouldn't be too surprising you see Hockenson take one more step forward in 2023 to become an even bigger weapon in the Vikings' passing attack. His value to the team is too high not to keep him on the field.

For a team hoping to trade for Hockenson, it would take a ton of value, more than any sane team would likely offer for a tight end. The only way he would be dealt is if a contract extension can't be reached. And since he's playing on a fully-guaranteed fifth-year option, releasing him makes absolutely no sense.