T.J. Hockenson’s Future in Flux: Broncos, Bucs, 49ers Among Potential Suitors if Vikings Move On
The offseason rumor mill is heating up, and one name starting to gain traction is T.J. Hockenson. The two-time Pro Bowl tight end could be on the move, with the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers emerging as potential landing spots if the Minnesota Vikings decide to part ways with their veteran pass-catcher.
Let’s start with the situation in Minnesota. The Vikings are projected to be $40 million over the salary cap heading into the offseason.
That’s not just a tight squeeze-it’s a full-on financial bind. In a cap-crunch scenario like this, tough decisions have to be made, and Hockenson’s contract could be one of the first under the microscope.
By releasing or trading him, the Vikings could free up as much as $15 million in cap space. That’s significant, especially when you consider that Hockenson’s 2025 production didn’t quite live up to expectations.
Now, that doesn’t mean Hockenson is washed-far from it. Even in what was considered a “down year,” he still managed 51 receptions.
And let’s not forget, he’s just two seasons removed from a 960-yard, 95-catch campaign that reminded everyone why he was a top-10 draft pick. At 28, he’s still squarely in his prime, and there’s no shortage of teams that could use a reliable, versatile tight end like him.
Denver Broncos: A Perfect Fit for Bo Nix?
If Hockenson does hit the open market, the Denver Broncos make a lot of sense as a potential suitor. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed flashes in his first season, but he needs a dependable safety valve-someone who can work the middle of the field, win in contested situations, and keep the chains moving. That’s exactly what Hockenson brings to the table.
While Evan Engram has been serviceable, Hockenson would be a clear upgrade-both as a route-runner and as a blocker. Pairing a young quarterback with a veteran tight end is a time-tested formula for offensive stability, and Hockenson could be the kind of player who helps Nix take the next step in his development.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Dual-Tight End Threat
The Buccaneers could also be in the mix, and the idea of lining up Hockenson alongside Cade Otton is intriguing. Otton has shown promise, but adding a proven weapon like Hockenson would give Tampa Bay a legitimate two-tight-end look that could create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses.
With the Bucs looking to stay competitive in a wide-open NFC South, bringing in a veteran presence like Hockenson could be a smart way to solidify the offense-especially if they’re aiming to support a young or transitional quarterback situation.
San Francisco 49ers: Insurance for George Kittle
Then there’s San Francisco. The 49ers are coming off yet another deep playoff run, but there’s uncertainty looming at the tight end position.
George Kittle, the heartbeat of their offense and a two-time All-Pro, is expected to miss the entire 2026 season due to a torn ACL. That’s a massive blow.
Replacing Kittle isn’t just about finding another tight end-it’s about finding someone who can handle the load in both the run and pass game, contribute as a blocker, and be a reliable target in Kyle Shanahan’s complex scheme. Hockenson checks a lot of those boxes. While he’s not Kittle-few are-he’s one of the few tight ends who could step in and keep the offense humming without a complete overhaul.
For general manager John Lynch, making a move for Hockenson would be a calculated, short-term fix that keeps the 49ers in contention while Kittle rehabs.
What’s Next for Hockenson?
It’s far from a done deal that Hockenson will be moved. The Vikings could still opt to keep him, restructure his deal, or wait and see how the market shakes out.
But if he does become available, expect the phone lines to light up. He’s still one of the better all-around tight ends in the league, and teams with playoff aspirations-and young quarterbacks-should be lining up.
Whether it’s catching passes in Denver, lining up in Tampa Bay, or stepping into a major role in San Francisco, Hockenson’s next chapter could be a pivotal one. And whichever team lands him might be getting a lot more than just a tight end-they could be getting a difference-maker.