The Minnesota Vikings are in one of the toughest financial situations of any team heading into the start of free agency next month.
Specifically, the second worst.
As of February 20, the Vikings are more than $40 million over the salary cap, according to cap specialists Spotrac, ranking them 31st in the NFL in cap space. Only the perennially-in-cap-hell New Orleans Saints have more ground to make up – $41.7 million – than Minnesota.
Although there are a number of moves that the Vikings can make to allow them more breathing room in the cap department without making costly restructures, many of them would lead to some of their top performers in 2025 (and prior) exiting the franchise, rather than just overpaid, ageing veterans.
And one player predicted to face such a fate by Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon is two-time Pro Bowl tight end, T.J. Hockenson.
Pro Bowler Could Be Surplus-to-Requirements in Minnesota
Hockenson has been a mainstay on this Vikings team ever since 2022, when the team traded a second round and a year-deferred third round pick to the Detroit Lions for his services – which also saw Minnesota receive two fourth rounders in back-to-back years in 2023 and 2024.
But after having had what was arguably his worst statistical season since his rookie year in 2025, Gagnon thinks Hockenson may well have played his last snap in Minneapolis.
“The veteran averaged a career-low 6.6 yards per target during an unproductive 2025 campaign. He has scored just three touchdowns since the start of the 2024 season and will turn 29 this summer.” Gagnon writes. “His $21.4 million 2026 cap hit is the highest at the tight end position. The Vikings are in a bad cap situation but can immediately save nearly $9 million by parting ways with Hockenson.”
“At the very least, I’d expect them to require Hockenson to restructure his deal if he wants to stick around. But because they’d be taking a weapon away while fancying themselves a contender, an outright release would surprise the football world.”
What Would a Hockenson Release Look Like For the Vikings?
In reality, Hockenson’s release would actually save the team a total of exactly $16 million, as the cost to cut him in 2027 would total just over $7 million, although that would be spread over the next two years’ worth of cap.
Yet, if they designate him as a post-June 1 release, the team can accrue all $16 million in savings in 2026, pushing $7 million in dead cap to 2027.
Despite managing fewer receiving yards in 15 games this past year than he did in 10 games in 2024, there is no question he is still a valuable tight end in the league.
And if the Vikings get clinical in their contract restructuring, which would allow them to free up more than $104 million in total cap space if they do so choose, and release players like tackle Brian O’Neill, which would save them nearly $20 million, there could be a way back to the team for Hockenson.
But given the “luxury” status of the tight end position and Hockenson’s diminishing returns, it could also be good-bye from Minnesota for the Iowa alum.
Vikings Predicted to Make ‘Shocking’ $9 Million Cap-Saving Move