Recent commentary from Travis Kelce indicates that the Kansas City Chiefs may be in the market for a new No. 1 tight end this offseason, and a two-time Pro Bowler could hit the free-agent market at the perfect time.
The Minnesota Vikings face a tough call on TJ Hockenson next spring, as the team has to trim $36 million off its 2026 salary cap figure just to get out of the red. Alec Lewis of The Athletic laid out the situation for the Vikings with regards to Hockenson on Thursday, Decemeber 18.
“The Vikings don’t have to part ways with tight end T.J. Hockenson at season’s end. He is ostensibly under contract for two more seasons, but his cap hit is projected to be around $21 million,” Lewis wrote. “Minnesota’s cap situation will, at minimum, require a reworking of Hockenson’s figure. The Vikings could also save around $9 million for next season by cutting him.”
TJ Hockenson Has Suffered Regression Over Last 2 Years With Vikings
GettyTight end TJ Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings.
Hockenson has taken a step back in 2025, largely because of questionable quarterback play in Minnesota and consistent injury issues across the offensive line that have resulted in Hockenson staying into block more frequently than at any other point in his seven-year NFL career.
Hockenson, 28, has logged 432 receptions for 4,438 receiving yards and 26 TDs across 96 appearances (83 starts). He averages 46.2 yards per game over that span.
The former No. 8 overall pick in 2019 out of the University of Iowa inked a four-year extension with the Vikings worth $66 million total in September 2024, which keeps him under contract through the 2027 campaign.
If Minnesota cuts Hockenson with a pre-June 1 designation, the possibility of which Lewis referenced above, the Vikings would eat a $12.4 million dead cap hit. Meanwhile, Hockenson would hit free agency with the ability to negotiate a new deal moving forward with whatever team he chooses.
Stepping in for Kelce for the second half of Patrick Mahomes‘ career, even with the two-time MVP quarterback coming off ACL and LCL surgery earlier this week, is one of the best gigs for which any tight end playing in any era could hope.
Travis Kelce Dropped Major Hint at Retirement on Latest Edition of Podcast
GettyKansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Kelce isn’t necessarily retiring this offseason, though he dropped a strong hint at his plans during the most recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast that he hosts with his brother, Jason Kelce.
The comment came while the Kelce brothers were discussing Mahomes’ injury, rehabilitation process and eventual return to the field.
“He’s gonna make sure he comes back stronger than ever,” Kelce said of Mahomes. “Hopefully the Chiefs can get him back as soon as possible.”
The wording, referring to his current team as “the Chiefs” instead of “we” or “us,” had media members and fans pretty much everywhere speculating that Kelce’s time in professional football is nearing its end.
Even if that is his current intention, Kelce could always change his mind. But if he doesn’t, and the Vikings decide to part with Hockenson and go in a different direction, a free-agency link up between Hockenson and the Chiefs could be exactly what Kansas City needs during an offseason of significant transition.
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