EAGAN, Minn. — At the high point of his career, he helped Aaron Rodgers make life miserable for the Minnesota defense.
How times have changed for Robert Tonyan, who hopes to wear a purple jersey full time this season after inking a contract with the Vikings.
Tonyan, 30, has played 85 games in the NFL with 24 starts in six seasons. He was originally signed by Detroit as an undrafted free agent, then was picked up by Green Bay where he was a valued target for Aaron Rodgers for five years. Tonyan's high-water mark was 2020, when he had 52 catches and 11 touchdowns.
Green Bay decided not to resign Tonyan following the 2022 season, and he joined Chicago as a free agent. He played in all 17 games with the Bears during 2023-24. His signing with the Vikings means Tonyan has now been on the roster of every team in the NFC Central.
His established receiving skills give Tonyan a leg up in a crowd of tight ends currently on the Vikings roster. T.J. Hockenson, a favorite target of former QB Kirk Cousins, may not be ready for week one against the Giants after undergoing off-season surgery for torn knee ligaments.
Tonyan also played for current Vikings passing game coordinator/tight ends Coach Brian Angelichio, who coached Tonyan in Green Bay in 2018.
Other tight ends vying for a spot on Minnesota's 2024-25 roster are Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, Trey Knox, and Sammis Reyes, who was signed through the International Pathway Program after the Chilean-born player participated in last weekend's rookie minicamp on a pro tryout basis.
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