T.J. Hockenson has signed a contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings. The deal is reportedly a 4-year/$68.5 million contract that will make him one of the highest-paid tight ends in the league. Hockenson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings during the 2022 regular season in exchange for a package of draft picks. He quickly ingratiated himself into the offense and was No. 3 in fantasy points per game following his trade.

This deal was expected, given that the Vikings invested significant draft capital to acquire him. Regardless, this secures his position in one of the highest-volume passing offenses for the foreseeable future. Despite the presence of other notable options, Hockenson will continue to receive enough targets to potentially finish as the highest-scoring tight end not named Travis Kelce.

The hope at this point is that Hockenson will return to practice sooner rather than later. He missed most of training camp while this contract was being negotiated due to back stiffness and an ear infection. However, the Vikings have expressed their belief that Hockenson is not in danger of missing week one. Fantasy managers can confidently start him as a top 5 fantasy tight end right out of the gate barring any setbacks.