The Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, which means the team could be bound to trade tight end TJ Hockenson in a possible overhaul. According to a source, the Vikings might be preparing to rebuild after having an abysmal season led by quarterback JJ McCarthy. It doesn’t seem like the team would draft another quarterback, but it seems likely to give this offense some life. After letting Sam Darnold walk to a new team and lead the Seattle Seahawks to the Super Bowl, many players in the Vikings organization are unhappy, and rightfully so.
Many push for Darnold to remain as their starter after the season he put up in 2024 while McCarthy was healing from a season-ending injury. With the Vikings probably making changes to the roster, it makes sense for the team to consider trading Hockenson.
Vikings Latest General Manager News Could Reveal a Blockbuster TJ Hockenson Trade
The Vikings find themselves in a hole as far as cap space. It shouldn’t be any surprise if the team begins to release or trade a ton of talent during the offseason. Originally selected in the first round, the former two-time Pro Bowler joined the Vikings via a rare trade with the Detroit Lions. It was shocking, but the Lions loved their current starting tight end Sam LaPorta, and the team probably made the right decision trading Hockenson. After joining the Vikings, the 28-year-old began a clean season during the 2023 campaign on injured reserve.
Despite signing a four-year extension, the team didn’t see much production out of the tight end until near last season. It wasn’t the best numbers, but he should have market if the Vikings are willing to trade the tight end.
Possible Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
With Travis Kelce set to marry Taylor Swift this summer, the Kansas City Chiefs could lose the long-time tight end to retirement. The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t in the best financial situation to entertain any trade, but they could squeeze one in during the offseason. While the Chiefs may draft a tight end, they should grab another in free agency for the experience.
The team doesn’t have a ton of options despite having Noah Gray waiting in the wings. Hockenson easily has one of the better hands as a tight end for some decent time, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chiefs create some cap space to make it happen.
Baltimore Ravens
Meanwhile, the Ravens will search for a new tight end despite extending veteran Mark Andrews. Isaiah Likely played out his entire contract on a strong note and probably will receive a big payday elsewhere. This means Andrew needs backup, and the Ravens could entertain the idea of trading for Hockenson. While they don’t seem like they’ll replace Andrews anytime soon, it’s still a possibility after Baltimore came close to trading the veteran last offseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After failing somehow to reach the playoffs this past season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have tons of players they need to retain. While tight end Cade Otton wants to return, it doesn’t seem like the Buccaneers are interested, as the team hasn’t begun any extension talks. With that, the Buccaneers can get another big-bodied weapon like Hockenson for Baker Mayfield, who is in danger of losing top receiver Mike Evans this upcoming offseason.