The Carolina Panthers could poach this potential cut candidate from an NFC squad.
The Carolina Panthers surely want to add some more weapons for quarterback Bryce Young this offseason.
Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker definitely comprise an impressive wide receiver duo, but the Panthers are rather thin on weapons beyond those two.
Carolina was hoping that Ja'Tavion Sanders would become a force at the tight end position, but he has been a disappointment thus far, and we already know that receiver Xavier Legette is trending toward bust territory.
The Panthers could make multiple moves to address their aerial attack this spring, and one of them could be stealing tight end T.J. Hockenson away from the Minnesota Vikings.
Hockenson is being viewed by many as a cut candidate going into the offseason, as he carries a $21.4 million cap hit for 2026, and the Vikings can save $9 million by parting ways with the two-time Pro Bowler.
Carolina is said to be in the hunt for a tight end and has already been connected to a trade with the Chicago Bears for Cole Kmet, so why not just sign Hockenson so you don't have to give up a draft pick?
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson. Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images.I get that Hockenson would be a risky addition given the fact that he tore his ACL in late 2023 and has not looked the same since.
The 28-year-old caught 51 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns last season, although that lack of production surely had a lot to do with Minnesota's miserable quarterback situation.
Hockenson actually began his career with the Detroit Lions in 2019 and quickly established himself as one of the NFL's best tight ends, making the Pro Bowl as soon as his sophomore campaign.
The University of Iowa product then posted back-to-back 900-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023 and probably would have hit 1,000 yards in the latter year had it not been for the injury that caused him to miss the final two games of that campaign.
A change of scenery could benefit Hockenson, who is still relatively young and could have a bounce-back season in store for 2026.
The Panthers could definitely use a reliable weapon on those short and intermediate routes, which would make things considerably easier for Young.
Should the Vikings release Hockenson, Carolina should absolutely be in the mix to sign him.
Panthers Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Panthers. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.