T.J. Hockenson becomes highest paid tight end in NFL history

T.J. Hockenson (Google Images)

According to Rogers Sportsnet on Thursday, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson of Charlton, Iowa became the highest paid tight end in National Football League history. He came to terms on a four year extension worth $68.5 million.

Prior to Hockenson, New York Giants tight end Darren Waller of Acworth, Georgia was the highest paid tight end in NFL history. He recently was acquired by the Giants in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders. Waller is set to make $17 million this season.

In 2022, Hockenson shared his time with the Detroit Lions and Vikings. In fact, he was traded from the Lions to the Vikings on November 1 with a fourth round draft pick in 2023 and 2024  for a second round pick in 2023 and a third round pick in 2024.

Hockenson had the best season of his NFL career a year ago. He had career highs in catches (86), and receiving yards (914). Hockenson also tied a career high with six touchdown catches. He also had six touchdown catches in the 2020 NFL season. Ironically, the 2020 and 2022 NFL seasons were the two years Hockenson was selected to the Pro Bowl.

The Vikings are the best team in the NFC North heading into the season. They have an explosive offense that includes quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

You could argue that Jefferson, who is making $2.4 million in 2023, is the best wide receiver in the NFL. Hockenson is definitely not the best tight end. That is Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is earning $14.3 million.

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