Broncos, Bucs, 49ers listed as top landing spots for $66 million former Pro Bowl tight end

The Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers have named as the possible landing spots for a former Pro Bowl tight end.

NFL Spin Zone's Sayre Bedinger believes the Minnesota Vikings could look to move on from tight end T.J. Hockenson this offseason, with the Broncos, Bucs, and 49ers tabbed as the top suitors.

Minnesota is projected to be $40 million under the cap this offseason, meaning the team will need to make some cuts to get back above the cap.

The Vikings can save up to $15 million by moving on from Hockenson, and with the veteran posting a down year in 2025, it would be a logical move to release or trade him.

If Hockenson hits the market, Denver, Tampa Bay, and San Francisco should pursue the 28-year-old.

The Broncos could use an upgrade at tight end over Evan Engram for quarterback Bo Nix, and Hockenson would be just that. The two-time Pro Bowler tallied 51 receptions in 2025 and is just two years removed from a 960-yard campaign with 95 receptions.

Tampa Bay and San Francisco could also be in the market for tight ends, as the 49ers may be without George Kittle for the entire 2026 season due to a torn ACL, while the Bucs could pair Cade Otton with Hockenson.

For San Francisco, replacing Kittle with Hockenson for a season would be a savvy move from general manager John Lynch, though it will be hard to fill the void left by the two-time All-Pro.

We'll see where Hockenson ends up playing next season. He could stay in Minnesota, or he may hit the market and find a new home.

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