According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, contract talks between the Minnesota Vikings and T.J. Hockenson “are far apart.” Not only that, but Russini says “Hockenson wants to reset the market with a historic contract extension for tight ends.”
The Vikings and tight end T.J. Hockenson have been working on an extension, but both sides are far apart, per league sources.
Hockenson wants to reset the market with a historic contract extension for tight ends.
He has been limited at practice because of an ear infection and…— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) August 23, 2023
Darren Waller’s annual average salary of $17 million is the highest among NFL tight ends, followed by George Kittle ($15 million), Travis Kelce ($14.3 million), Dallas Goedert ($14.2 million) and Mark Andrews ($14 million).
Hockenson has gone through individual drills at Vikings training camp, but he hasn’t participated in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 sessions, nor the joint practices with the Titans and Cardinals, since Aug. 3.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell says the ear infection that Hockenson was dealing with has improved, but he’s not dealing with some minor back stiffness.
“He’s recovered from his ear infection. He did recently come to me and [the training staff] and just came in with some lower back stiffness where he was off to the side today,” O’Connell said Wednesday. “Possibly have him tomorrow or be ready to roll when we start our general prep next week.”
