Robert Tonyan Signs Vikings Contract After Packers, Bears Stints

Free agent tight end Robert Tonyan has agreed to a contract with the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota confirmed the agreement after ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the deal.

The signing comes after a one-year stint with the Chicago Bears. Tonyan spent the first five years of his career with the Green Bay Packers.

Tonyan had just 112 receiving yards in 2023, following up a season where he picked up the second-most yards of his career with 470. He also had two touchdowns in 2022.

Tonyan's best season came in 2020 when he recorded a career-high 586 receiving yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns. Following his breakout year, Tonyan suffered a torn ACL that limited him to just eight games in 2021 and has impacted him over the last two seasons.

Now a few years removed from his injury and joining a new roster, the 30-year-old is looking to be a valuable contributor for the Vikings.

Tight end T.J. Hockenson still doesn't have a timeline on his return from a season-ending knee injury, so the added depth at the position will be much needed early in the year.

Johnny Mundt will likely move up to Hockenson's position until his return, and Josh Oliver will likely play behind him. With injuries always a possibility, having Tonyan on the roster could end up being vital.

Minnesota is looking to bounce back after a 7-10 season a year ago and made strides in improving the roster over the offseason. After quarterback Kirk Cousins departed for the Atlanta Falcons in free agency, the Vikings landed Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who they hope will hit the ground running this season.

Minnesota also signed linebacker Jonathan Greenard, quarterback Sam Darnold, running back Aaron Jones and a few other names this offseason.

Now adding some depth to various positions, Minnesota's roster for the 2024 season is starting to come together.