Vikings Top-Paid Weapon Still Has Something to Prove

Dec 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) during the first quarter against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Remember when the Minnesota Vikings continued to put their faith in Irv Smith Jr.? It was unfortunate in that it never came to fruition. The talent never materialized on the field, and he rarely could actually remain present on the field. His last injury necessitated the addition of a tight end, and that turned into former Detroit Lions star T.J. Hockenson.

The Minnesota Vikings need the version of T.J. Hockenson that they traded for to show up again in the season ahead for J.J. McCarthy.

The former 8th overall pick out of Tight End University (Iowa) came over to the better NFC North franchise with plenty of fanfare. He recorded three touchdowns in his first 10 games and then had five during his first full season for the Minnesota Vikings. Unfortunately, last season didn’t go as well.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson, left, and Minnesota prepare to take the field prior to a game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. © Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK. – Credit: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Hockenson was limited to just ten games as he returned from injury after a dirty hit by Detroit Lions defender Kerby Joseph. The Vikings never saw Hockenson reach the end zone, and he appeared to be a lesser version of the player who was on the field before his knee injury. At 28 years old, both invested parties need to see something more in 2025.

Will the Real T.J. Hockenson Please Stand Up for the Vikings?

Minnesota signed Hockenson to a four-year extension worth $66 million at the end of his rookie deal. This year is a pivotal one, as his dead cap hit decreases from $28 million this season to just $12 million next year. The Vikings would love to keep him in the future, but he must re-establish himself as the top-tier talent they believe he would be.

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota tight end T. Hockenson (87) runs off the field after pregame warmups before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports.

There is reason to believe he can be a better talent another year removed from his knee surgery. While the procedure is relatively straightforward at this point, you are still dealing with the human components of the human body. Hockenson is not a small man, and athleticism is what has generally separated him at the tight end position.

If the Vikings do unlock the best version of Hockenson again, they’ll have one of the better rooms in the league. Last year, Josh Oliver stepped up in Hockenson’s absence, and he continued to produce even once the tight end returned.

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota tight end T. Hockenson (87) waves to the crowd against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

You can bet that Kevin O’Connell will be looking for his safety valves and underneath options to show up for J.J. McCarthy. The more open potential pass catchers are, the better chance the youngster can take his time acclimating to the highest level. If Hockenson gets back to the peak of himself, you can bet on the offense being in a pretty good spot.

Ted Schwerzler is a Minneapolis based blogger that covers the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Sharing thoughts constantly on Twitter, … More about Ted Schwerzler