Vikings Add Robert Tonyan to Tight End Room

Dec 31, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Robert Tonyan (18) reacts after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at Soldier Field. Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Thursday afternoon that they have agreed to terms with former Packers and Bears tight end Robert Tonyan.

Tonyan, an undrafted player from Indiana State, is set to join his third NFC North team in seven NFL seasons. First signed by the Detroit Lions as a UDFA in 2017, he has now, in a sense, completed his NFC North journey.

The former Packer saw limited action with Chicago last season, managing just 11 receptions for 112 yards on 17 targets. Before joining the Bears, Tonyan spent five seasons with Green Bay, where he recorded 137 receptions for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Minnesota's tight end room is crowded after re-signing Nick Muse and Johnny Mundt this offseason, in addition to already having Josh Oliver and Pro Bowler TJ Hockenson. With Tonyan expected to join one of the league's top tight end groups, training camp is anticipated to be highly competitive.

On the flip side, bringing in Tonyan could be seen as a safeguard for Hockenson, who is projected to be sidelined at the start of the 2024 season following a torn ACL and MCL suffered against the Detroit Lions last season.

"I would imagine [Hockenson] is on the [Physically Unable to Perform] list though six weeks," Star Tribune Vikings reporter Ben Goessling speculated on a podcast. "[The] Week 6 bye is conveniently timed here."

With voluntary offseason training camp (OTAs) expected to kick off this week, the team will likely gain a clearer picture of the roster and the status of the tight end group, particularly with questions lingering about Hockenson's health. Tonyan's presence will still bring valuable depth and experience to the team.