Who Should I Start? James Hurst or T.J. Hockenson

Monday, March 4, 10:44 PM

The Athletic's Larry Holder lists New Orleans Saints offensive guard/tackle James Hurst as a potential salary cap casualty this offseason. At the start of the offseason, the Saints sat around $83 million in the red, according to Over the Cap. Hurst and linebacker Demario Davis are the only two players who would give the Saints 2024 salary cap relief of more than $3 million each on their entire roster. Releasing Hurst would free up around $4.2 million, so he's one of the most obvious salary cap casualties for the team. The 32-year-old veteran missed two games in 2023 due to an ankle injury but was New Orleans' starting left tackle when healthy. The 10-year NFL veteran has been with the Saints for the last four seasons after spending the first six years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens.

Tuesday, December 26, 4:18 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the Week 16 loss to the Detroit Lions. He is expected to be placed on injured reserve and will miss the rest of the season. Given the late-season injury, the 26-year-old could start the 2024 season on the PUP list. The former first-round pick signed a four-year, $66 million contract this offseason with Minnesota. Hockenson had career-highs in receptions, receiving, yards, and targets during his first entire season with the Vikings. He caught 95 of 127 targets for 965 yards and five touchdowns over 15 games in 2023. Hockenson will likely undergo surgery in the next few weeks and looks to recover fully in 2024. Josh Oliver is expected to be Minnesota's top tight end with Hockenson sidelined. Fantasy managers searching for tight end help or a replacement for Hockenson can look to add Oliver in most league formats.