The Los Angeles Chargers or Carolina Panthers may acquire surprising Vikings cut candidate tight end, Robert Tonyan before the regular season. A source believes the Vikings could be moving on from the Indiana State product despite putting on an impressive training camp in the absence of starter and two-time Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson. His future is in jeopardy as the Vikings understand that if he can’t stay healthy and doesn’t return to full form, they could him before the end of this month. It presents an interesting dilemma for Minnesota to consider since they already have Justin Jefferson as one of the best pass-catchers in the league, Tonyan’s abilities are undeniable even on limited snaps but they might just move on.
Last season, the team was carrying four tight ends which is now a deep position in the emergence of Josh Oliver and a couple of backups like Johnny Mundt and Nick Muse. It doesn’t help that the Vikings are converting N’Keal Harry to a tight end so the chances of Tonyan making the roster are low. Hockenson is an obvious lock but Tonyan not making it to a singular preseason game could make the Vikings assume he should heal before he thinks about stepping on the field again. He’s going to have a hard time making the team but if he can stay healthy then any roster that needs another elusive playmaker can snag him for cheap.
The theory of Jim Harbaugh’s run game will be put to the test if Justin Herbert can win ball games by doing just that. While they have a strong backfield, they’re still lacking a reliable pass-catcher to replace Mike Williams and Keenan Allen. Tonyan won’t transform the tight end room but it gives Hayden Hurst and Will Dissly some competition.
Chargers, Panthers May Acquire Surprising Vikings Cut Candidate Robert Tonyan
More Receiver Help in Carolina
Everyone who was watching Tonyan when Aaron Rodgers was in Green Bay from 2017-2022 under that he’s more than just a tight end. Tonyan’s best attribute as any other tight end is his ability to function as a receiver. He will never be on Travis Kelce‘s level but it gives rosters a chance to not overlook him. The only issue that they would have to keep an eye on is if he can stay healthy. Teams that are looking for depth and Tonyan is healthy as an available free agent, they are are in good business.
Tonyan has been able to amass 148 catches for 1,549 yards and 17 touchdowns over the past six years. His elusiveness and transformative abilities should be able to win him another shot on an NFL roster once he gets healthy.
Other Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City were probably thinking about life about Travis Kelce which is why they were looking into Ben Sinnott in this past NFL Draft. However, Sinnott is heading to the Commanders but Kelce remains on the roster and his future is in question. Kelce did reiterate this offseason that he does not plan to retire but when you have three Super Bowls to your name, it’s always a thought that may come up. He doesn’t have anything to prove anymore so he could get up and retire whenever he wants.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is surprisingly lacking a reliable slot receiver this upcoming season even though they have Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman on the same roster. Bateman has been disappointing and it seems like it’s every year they bring a one-year veteran to help like Odell Beckham Jr. last season and now Nelson Agholor. Tonyan may be just a tight end but his abilities as a pass-catcher and his translation as a receiver could give Lamar Jackson some flexibility in the pocket.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have one of the most prolific tight ends in the league in Dallas Goedert but since releasing C.J. Uzomah, it leaves an obvious hole. Philadelphia has been busy this offseason ensuring that Jalen Hurts has one of the best offenses. This includes extending A.J. Brown and trading for Jahan Dotson, now joining Devonta Smith and DeVante Parker in the slot. Tonyan joining the team even on a one-year deal would make this offense even more fiery than before if he stays healthy.
