Vikings' T.J. Hockenson among NFL's richest TEs with new deal, sources say - ESPN

The Minnesota Vikings and T.J. Hockenson are finalizing a new deal that will make him one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Adam Schefter.

Hockenson had missed significant time during training camp and the preseason for multiple reasons, including an ear infection and a sore back, according to the Vikings.

The Vikings repeatedly had attributed Hockenson's absence to the health issues, not his contract situation.

Hockenson, 26, ranked second among NFL tight ends last season with 86 receptions for 914 yards. He had been set to play in 2023 under the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, worth $9.329 million.