Minneapolis, Minnesota – January 8, 2026 – In an unexpected move showcasing team spirit, Minnesota Vikings star tight end T.J. Hockenson has proactively proposed restructuring his contract to help the team retain his close teammate.
This decision comes as the Vikings face a severe salary cap overrun of up to $46 million for the 2026 season, requiring tough choices to balance the books.
Hockenson, who is on a 4-year contract worth $66 million with a $21.3 million cap hit for 2026, has agreed to restructure his deal to ease the team’s financial burden.
According to research from sources like Over The Cap and Spotrac, a simple restructure could save about $9.5 million in the 2026 salary cap by converting part of the base salary into a signing bonus and spreading it over the remaining years.
If combined with an extension, the savings could reach over $11.4 million. This adjustment would be sufficient for the Vikings to extend the contract of his teammate – who has a $23.2 million cap hit and is a top priority for the team. Hockenson regards him as a “brother on the field.”
In an exclusive interview with NFL Network, Hockenson shared: “He is an important part of this roster. We’ve gone through tough seasons together, and I don’t want to see him leave just because of money issues. I’m willing to sacrifice part of my salary to keep him in Minnesota.
This is about team spirit, not money.” Hockenson’s decision has been widely praised in the locker room, with quarterback J.J. McCarthy commenting: “T.J. is a true leader. This action will inspire the whole team.”
The Vikings’ salary cap situation is highly strained after spending over $300 million on new contracts in the previous offseason, yet failing to secure a playoff spot.
Team management has considered cutting several players, such as defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen (saving $11 million and $4.2 million, respectively), center Ryan Kelly ($8.8 million), and running back Aaron Jones ($8 million). However, with Hockenson’s move, the Vikings can avoid major losses and focus on building around McCarthy.
Hockenson, 28 years old, was once a Pro Bowler after joining the Vikings from the Detroit Lions in 2022. Despite suffering ACL and MCL injuries in 2023, he has maintained steady performance, ranking as the No. 8 tight end according to Pro Football Focus.
This salary reduction decision not only helps retain right tackle Brian O’Neill – the close teammate whom Hockenson regards as a “brother on the field” with a bond forged through many shared seasons on the front lines – but also paves the way for the Vikings to rollover $22.5 million in salary cap from 2025, allowing the team to sign additional talent. O’Neill is often described as the “heart of the offensive line,” providing crucial protection and leadership that anchors the team’s attack.
Vikings fans are excited about this news. On social media X, one user wrote: “T.J. Hockenson is a hero! This is how you build a sustainable team.” ESPN expert Aaron Schatz commented: “This is a classic example of team culture in the NFL. The Vikings could turn things around from here.”
