JUST IN: Vikings sign another 30-years old key man who is greater than their current star
The Minnesota Vikings are set to sign veteran tight end Robert Tonyan, as reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN. Tonyan, 30, is entering his seventh NFL season and has previously played for two other NFC North teams. The deal’s specifics have not been revealed.
Tonyan, who went undrafted, joined the Green Bay Packers late in the 2017 season. After limited play in 2018 and 2019, he had a breakout season in 2020, recording 52 receptions for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns, playing every game. In the playoffs, he added eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Tonyan suffered an ACL tear during the 2021 season but managed to play all 17 games in 2022 and 2023. He signed with the Chicago Bears last offseason, where he primarily served as a secondary tight end, starting six games and making 11 receptions for 112 yards without scoring a touchdown—the first season in his six-year career without one.
Throughout his NFL career, Tonyan has started 24 out of 85 games, scored 17 touchdowns, and averaged over 10 yards per reception—impressive stats for an undrafted player from an FCS school.
Tonyan is expected to see significant playing time early in the season, as the Vikings’ starting tight end, TJ Hockenson, is likely to start on injured reserve due to ACL and MCL tears suffered last December. The other tight ends on the Vikings’ roster include Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse.
Vikings in a transition period
The Vikings will have a different look on the field in 2024. Kirk Cousins is no longer the starting quarterback, and the team might rotate multiple quarterbacks throughout the season.
Minnesota is difficult to predict this year and will be a “wait and see” team, with a clearer evaluation likely not possible until a few weeks into the season.
Coming off a seven-win season in which they used four different quarterbacks, the Vikings struggled after Cousins tore his Achilles. They couldn’t replicate their 2022 success when they won 13 games and the division.
With Cousins gone, the Vikings drafted national champion quarterback JJ McCarthy in the first round. Although the 21-year-old might not start immediately, with Sam Darnold possibly starting in Week 1, it would be wise for the Vikings to give McCarthy multiple starts unless Darnold performs exceptionally well.
The Vikings have a balanced schedule in 2024, ranking 18th in strength of schedule among NFL teams. They will face five playoff teams from last season, including two matchups each against the Packers and the Detroit Lions.
Kevin O’Connell could be considered for coach of the year if the Vikings remain competitive and pursue a winning record. If Justin Jefferson returns to form, Minnesota’s offense should be strong. The Vikings could be a team to watch in 2024.