Vikings sign former Packers tight end

Aug 29, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; General view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The tour of the NFC North continues for one veteran tight end.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Thursday that the Minnesota Vikings have signed tight end Robert Tonyan. He lands with a new team in the division after beginning his career with the Green Bay Packers and then spending last season with the Chicago Bears.

Tonyan, 30, has had some bouts of production as a pass-catcher, most notably in 2020 when he caught 52 passes for 586 yards and 11 touchdowns in Green Bay. But he suffered a torn ACL during the 2021 season and was not very effective in Chicago last season, making just 11 receptions for 112 yards and no TDs.

For the Vikings meanwhile, two-time Pro Bowler TJ Hockenson is locked in as their TE1. But the 6-foot-5, 240-pound Tonyan may still be able to make a contribution as a blocker and as a situational target in the red zone. Tonyan also becomes the latest player to switch sides of the Vikings-Packers rivalry this offseason.