Vikings sign former packers TE Robert Tonyan to contract.
“The Minnesota Vikings have signed former Green Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan to a contract, the team announced on Thursday. Tonyan, who spent the 2022 season with the Chicago Bears, is expected to provide depth and experience to the Vikings’ tight end group.”
“A veteran of five NFL seasons, Tonyan has played for all four teams in the NFC North division, having started his career with the Detroit Lions before joining the Packers in 2018. He enjoyed a breakout season with Green Bay in 2020, catching 52 passes for 586 yards and 10 touchdowns, but has struggled to replicate that success in subsequent seasons.”
“With the Vikings, Tonyan will join a tight end group that includes T.J. Hockenson, Johnny Mundt, and Nick Muse. Hockenson, who was acquired by the Vikings in a midseason trade with the Lions, is expected to be the team’s primary tight end, but Tonyan could provide a valuable target for quarterback Kirk Cousins in two-tight-end sets.”
“The terms of Tonyan’s contract with the Vikings have not been disclosed, but the signing is expected to provide the team with additional depth and flexibility at the tight end position as they look to build on their playoff appearance in the 2022 season.”
“Tonyan’s signing with the Vikings marks his fourth stint with an NFC North team, having previously played for the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears. His familiarity with the division and its teams could prove valuable to the Vikings as they look to compete in a tough division.”
“While Tonyan’s production has been up and down in recent seasons, he has shown the ability to be a reliable target in the passing game, particularly in the red zone. His 10 touchdowns in 2020 were tied for the most among tight ends that season, and the Vikings will be hoping he can provide a similar threat for their offense.”
“The Vikings’ tight end group has undergone some changes in recent months, with the team releasing veteran Kyle Rudolph and trading for T.J. Hockenson during the 2023 season. Tonyan’s addition provides depth and competition to the position group, and could give the Vikings more flexibility in their offensive gameplan.”
“Tonyan’s signing with the Vikings marks a homecoming of sorts for the tight end, who began his NFL career with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 2017. While he didn’t make the Lions’ roster that year, he went on to have successful stints with the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears before joining the Vikings.”
“The tight end position has been a key focus for the Vikings this offseason, with the team signing T.J. Hockenson to a contract extension and now adding Tonyan to the mix. With a talented group of tight ends on the roster, the Vikings are expected to utilize more two-tight-end sets in their offense this season, which could create matchup problems for opposing defenses.”
“Tonyan’s addition to the Vikings also provides some insurance for the team in case of injuries or other roster changes. With his experience and versatility, he could be a valuable backup to Hockenson and a reliable target for quarterback Kirk Cousins in the passing game.”
“Overall, the signing of Tonyan is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Vikings that could pay dividends this season. With a deep and talented roster, the team is looking to make a playoff push and compete for a Super Bowl championship, and Tonyan’s addition is just one piece of that puzzle.”