Tonyan has signed deals with all four teams in the NFC North.
Robert Tonyan has now officially completed the NFC North cycle. After originally signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent, the tight end spent six seasons with the Green Bay Packers — where he played on four consecutive one-year contracts from 2019 to 2022. After leaving Green Bay in 2023, Tonyan joined the Chicago Bears last season. Now, the Indiana State product has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Tonyan is not expected to have signed a particularly expensive contract with the Vikings, as he was paid more on one-year deals in 2021 (restricted free agent tender) and 2022 (one-year re-signing) with the Packers than he earned with the Bears in 2023. Last year, his one-year deal with Chicago paid Tonyan out $2.65 million.
The tight end played 17 games for the Bears, making six starts, but he was only able to record 11 receptions for 112 yards, his lowest marks since the 2019 season. It was also his first season since his rookie year of 2017 where he didn’t record a single receiving touchdown.
Known best for his receiving ability in Green Bay, Tonyan will likely start his Vikings career on the roster bubble. The team has a true TE1 in T.J. Hockensen already and a quality blocking tight end in veteran Josh Oliver. Tonyan will need to beat out Johnny Mundt, who joined the NFL in the same 2017 class as Tonyan, and Nick Muse, a former draft pick, to hang onto Minnesota’s 53-man roster — as the squad will likely also roster fullback C.J. Ham.
If Tonyan does make the cut, though, he won’t have to wait long for a rematch against the team where he spent most of his time during his NFL career. The Vikings will take a trip to Lambeau Field in Week 4, which almost certainly will be branded as a potential revenge game spot for running back Aaron Jones — who was released by the Packers this offseason. Green Bay will take the return trip to Minnesota in Week 17.
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