An interesting offseason lies ahead in Minnesota as the Vikings are set to go through the offseason without a permanent GM. The Vikings moved on from their former GM, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and reportedly won’t hire a new one until after the NFL Draft, leaving the interim GM to handle free agency.
One move they are expected to make is releasing a key offensive player to save cap space.
Vikings Predicted to Cut Star in Cost-Cutting Move
The Vikings have a star receiver in Justin Jefferson and the explosive Jordan Addison to complement him on the outside. Minnesota isn’t desperate for pass catchers and could even move on from the expensive T.J. Hockenson.
NFL insider Greg Auman predicts the Vikings could cut Hockenson to save money. He is the fourth-highest-paid tight end in the NFL. He signed a four-year, $66 million extension in 2023 after he was traded to Minnesota from Detroit just one year prior.
Hockenson is set to earn $15.4 million next season, and that number will increase for the 2027 season. But the Vikings have an out and can save a few million if they decide to move on. Cutting Hockenson would cost the Vikings approximately $12,465,000 in dead cap, but would save plenty of money down the line and get them out of the long-term commitment.
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This would catapult Josh Oliver to the top of the depth chart in Minnesota, who hasn’t been the most involved pass catcher, but is still a relevant piece of the Vikings offense.
Minnesota could add a tight end in free agency at a lower price. Less expensive options like Noah Fant or a reunion with Tyler Conklin might be the path the Vikings take if they cut Hockenson.
The first two seasons in Minnesota for Hockenson were much more productive than the last two. In 2024, he suffered a season-ending injury, and last year the team’s passing offense was nowhere near the level it had been.
J.J. McCarthy struggled to stay healthy, had a tough adjustment period, and the offense never really got in rhythm.
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Hockenson is still on the younger side at just 28 years old, but he’s coming off his worst year as a Viking. He finished 32nd in PFSN’s TE Impact metric. With Minnesota’s financial commitment to the tight end, a separation could be in play with the new leadership set to take over after the draft.
Their defense, led by defensive coordinator Brian Flores, continuously gives opponents headaches with its schemes, but the offense needs to help out its defense. Whether Hockenson will be there to provide his services remains to be seen, as Auman believes that the two-time Pro Bowler finds himself in danger of being a cap casualty ahead of the 2026 season.
