(Eagan) The Minnesota Vikings have signed tight end T. J. Hockenson to a contract extension.
Hockenson was selected eighth overall in the 2019 draft by the Detroit Lions. He was acquired by the Vikings before the end of the trade period last season and caught 60 passes for 519 yards in 10 games with the team. He collected a total of 914 yards during the campaign, setting a personal best.
The star player was limited in his participation in the Vikings camp, first due to an ear infection which caused him balance problems, then due to stiff backs.
Hockenson practiced unrestricted on Wednesday and head coach Kevin O’Connell said he expected him to be in charge in the Vikings’ opener, Sept. 10 against the Tampa Buccaneers. Bay.
The Vikings gave a second-round pick in 2023 and a third-round pick in 2024 to the Lions in return for Hockenson and two draft picks (a fourth-round pick in 2023 and a conditional pick in 2024).
In four seasons in the NFL, Hockenson caught 246 passes for 2,587 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was invited to the Pro Bowl twice.