Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Erick All Jr.

Thursday, February 12, 8:02 AM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson had an underwhelming season as the team endured poor quarterback play and inconsistency at the position. Hockenson played 15 games in 2025, starting all of them. He caught 51 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns, posting the lowest receiving yards total and fantasy points per game mark since he was a rookie. He ultimately finished as the overall TE26 in full-PPR leagues. Although it's fair to blame the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer for Hockenson's frustrating year, that doesn't mean he'll magically bounce back in 2026. McCarthy is due back as the Vikings' quarterback next season. Interestingly, Hockenson also struggled with Sam Darnold as his quarterback in 2024, so he really hasn't been a trustworthy fantasy tight end since Kirk Cousins quarterbacked the Vikings in 2023. Hockenson is under contract for two more years, but the Vikings have a potential out this offseason. If Minnesota releases Hockenson post-June 1, they would create $15.96 million in cap space while taking on $5.34 million in dead money. It certainly wouldn't hurt the Vikings to keep the veteran tight end to help support McCarthy's development, but we also wouldn't be surprised to see the team's next general manager capitalize on this opportunity to create cap space.

Friday, July 25, 1:30 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Erick All Jr. (knee) is set to miss the entire 2025 season after undergoing a second surgery on his ACL this offseason, according to James Rapien of BengalsTalk.com. All was seen at training camp practice on Thursday walking around with a brace on his right knee. The 24-year-old played in just seven games in his final season in college due to a torn ACL, and he tore the ACL in the same knee last year as well. The Iowa product appeared in nine games (six starts) with the Bengals in his rookie season before injuring his knee and caught 20 of 22 targets for 158 yards and no touchdowns. It's been a tough go for All the last two years, but he's hoping to come back strong in 2026. With All out for all of this year, it will mean more work for both Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample.