The Minnesota Vikings have restructured T.J. Hockenson's contract to create more than $5 million in salary-cap space, a move that signals the team's commitment to keeping the tight end for the 2026 season. Hockenson was set to carry the highest cap number for any NFL tight end this year at $21.3 million.

The Vikings entered the offseason roughly $43 million over the NFL's $301.2 million salary cap. Hockenson signed a four-year, $66 million extension in August 2023 but suffered a devastating knee injury four months later that has impacted his production. Since the injury, he's caught 92 passes for 893 yards and three touchdowns in 25 games over the past two seasons.

This contract adjustment comes as the Vikings continue aggressive cap management moves. The team has already informed running back Aaron Jones Sr., defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen that they will be traded or released next week. Minnesota is also open to trading outside linebacker Jonathan Greenard while having restructured contracts for receiver Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw to push cap hits into future years.