Former $3 Million Bears Pass-Catcher Joins Vikings…

The Chicago Bears and their NFC North rivals have frequently exchanged players over recent seasons. Now, one such player has completed the full circuit within the division.

The Minnesota Vikings have signed Robert Tonyan Jr., marking the fourth NFC North team to add the tight end to their roster.

“The #Vikings have signed TE Robert Tonyan and waived LB Donovan Manuel,” the Vikings’ official X account announced on May 17.

Tonyan’s Role with Bears vs. Potential with Vikings

Tonyan played for the Bears last season under a $2.65 million contract. He participated in all 17 games, starting six, and recorded 11 catches for 112 yards on 17 targets, without scoring any touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference.

Before his stint with the Bears, Tonyan spent five years with the Green Bay Packers as a favored target for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He began his NFL journey with the Detroit Lions in 2017 but didn’t play in any regular-season games and earned just $28,800 from the practice squad, per Spotrac.

Tonyan might see more action against his former team when the Vikings face the Bears in Week 12 in November. However, he is likely to serve as a temporary fill-in for T.J. Hockenson, a former Lion and two-time Pro Bowler, who is recovering from knee surgery. Hockenson is expected to be back in full form before the Vikings’ games against the Bears, which might limit Tonyan’s impact.

Cole Kmet’s Role in the Bears’ Revamped Offense…

Cole Kmet, the Bears’ tight end, is set to be a central figure in Chicago’s enhanced passing game in 2024. Last season, Kmet achieved career highs with 73 catches, 719 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. He will continue to be a key player alongside new additions like wide receivers Keenan Allen, rookie Rome Odunze, and DJ Moore, and with Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2024, taking over as quarterback from Justin Fields.

Kmet was second only to Moore in major receiving stats for the Bears last year, per StatMuse. However, with the influx of new talent and a more aggressive passing strategy under Williams, Kmet might not replicate those numbers in 2024.

Tonyan, primarily a pass-catcher, became expendable in a Bears roster that didn’t heavily utilize him, even when it might have been beneficial last year.

Implications for T.J. Hockenson and Vikings’ Tight End Corps…

The Vikings’ acquisition of Tonyan on May 16 follows their signing of tight end Sammie Reyes on May 13. This move suggests that Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson may miss significant time as he recovers from knee surgery. With these signings, the Vikings now have seven tight ends for training camp, though typically only four make the initial 53-man roster, including Hockenson.

Hockenson, who was crucial to the Vikings’ offense last year with 95 catches for 960 yards and five touchdowns, is rehabbing ahead of schedule but won’t be rushed back into play, according to a report by Alec Lewis from The Athletic on May 2. The team’s recent signings indicate they are prepared for Hockenson’s possible absence.

Tonyan, who led all tight ends with 11 touchdowns in 2020 before a knee injury in 2021, has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Vikings, providing stability and experience as they transition to a new quarterback. Despite a less productive 2023 season with the Bears, Tonyan could see a resurgence in Minnesota’s more favorable offensive setup.