Vikings, Hockenson agree to reported 4-year, $68.5M extension

The Minnesota Vikings and T.J. Hockenson agreed to terms on a contract extension, the team announced Thursday.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the extension is a four-year, $68.5-million pact with $42.5 million guaranteed. The $17.125-million average annual value makes Hockenson the highest-paid tight end in NFL history.

Minnesota traded a second-round pick in the 2023 draft and a fourth-rounder in the 2024 draft to the division-rival Detroit Lions for Hockenson during the 2022 campaign.

The 26-year-old hauled in 60 catches for 519 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games with the Vikings last year.

Hockenson battled an ear infection and lower-back issues during the offseason, but head coach Kevin O'Connell feels "very good" about the tight end's availability for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

Hockenson was selected with the No. 8 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Lions. The 6-foot-5 target has 246 receptions, 2,587 yards, and 18 touchdowns in 57 career games.