The Vikings dished out one of the biggest contracts for a tight end in league history to T.J. Hockenson Thursday.
As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hockenson signed a four-year deal for $68.5 million, with $42.5 million in guarantees, that locks up the two-time pro bowler through his age 30 season.
In terms of overall total overall value, it’s only behind the deal San Francisco’s George Kittle signed in 2020. Meanwhile, it resets the market in terms of average earned per year ($17.125 million) and guarantees.
When comparing Hockenson’s deal to wide receivers, his $68.5 million total would give him the 14th biggest total value and 17th biggest yearly average among wide outs.
Here is a look at the biggest deals in NFL history signed by tight ends and how old those tight ends were at the time of signing:
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (27): 5-year $75 million, $40 million guaranteed ($15 million average)
- T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (26): 4-year $68.5 million, $42.5 million guaranteed ($17.125 million average)
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (31): 4-year $57.25 million, $27 million guaranteed ($14.312 million average)
- Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (26): 4-year $57 million, $35 million guaranteed ($14.25 million average)
- Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (26): 4-year, $56 million, $37.58 million guaranteed ($14 million average)
- Darren Waller, New York Giants (31): 3-year $51 million, $22 million guaranteed ($17 million average)
- Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (29): 3-year, $41.25 million, $24 million guaranteed ($13.75 million average)
The Vikings sent 2023 2nd-round pick and a 2024 3rd-round pick to the Detroit Lions for Hockenson, who finished the 2022 season with 86 receptions and 914 receiving yards, both second most among tight ends in the NFL in 2022.
Among all receivers, Hockenson had the 15th most receptions and 26th most receiving yards in the NFL.
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