As we receive encouraging updates on T.J. Hockenson’s recovery from last season’s knee injury, it’s been reported that the Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their tight end position with new additions.
Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN report that the Vikings are set to sign tight end Robert Tonyan. Although no corresponding roster move has been announced and the terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
If Tonyan joins the Vikings, it would mark his presence in every team within the NFC North. After going undrafted in 2017 from Indiana State, he initially joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad. Subsequently, he was signed by the Green Bay Packers for the final four games of that season. Tonyan remained with the Packers until 2022. Notably, last season he played for the Chicago Bears, as depicted in the provided image.
Tonyan’s lone season in Chicago was a bit of a disappointment, as despite appearing in all 17 games for the Bears he caught just 11 passes for 122 yards. In his five-plus seasons in Green Bay, he caught 137 passes for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns, including an 11-touchdown campaign in 2020.
While there’s still some uncertainty surrounding Hockenson, despite his progress, bringing in a veteran like Tonyan shows that the Vikings are still looking for reinforcements at the position. Tonyan should have an opportunity to land a spot on the roster in Training Camp, likely competing for the #3 spot with Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse.
While there’s still some uncertainty surrounding Hockenson, despite his progress, bringing in a veteran like Tonyan shows that the Vikings are still looking for reinforcements at the position. Tonyan should have an opportunity to land a spot on the roster in Training Camp, likely competing for the #3 spot with Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse.
Once we get word of a corresponding roster move to add Tonyan to the roster, we will add it to this story.
