The Minnesota Vikings possess $37.1 million in available salary cap room and face numerous free-agent decisions this offseason, notably including the re-signed free-agent tight end.
The Minnesota Vikings re-signed their free-agent tight end.
Minnesota confirmed the re-signing of Nick Muse. As an exclusive rights free agent, Muse, with less than three years of NFL experience, has limited options. The team can tender him a one-year deal, and he can either accept it or opt to sit out the season. If not tendered, Muse would become an unrestricted free agent free to sign with any team. Ultimately, Muse will return to Minnesota under a one-year deal worth approximately $985,000.
Minnesota drafted Nick Muse in 2022.
Minnesota selected Muse in the 7th round, 227th overall, during the 2022 NFL Draft. Following final roster cuts, they released him, subsequently signing him to their practice squad for his rookie year. He earned a promotion to the active roster on November 19 but didn’t register any receptions in his ten game appearances. Minnesota waived him on January 6, later signing him to a reserve/future contract on January 16.
In his second season, Muse secured a spot on the 53-man roster but remained inactive for the initial 15 games. However, he saw action in the last two games, making one reception for 22 yards.
Why this move matters.
The significance of re-signing Muse is heightened due to T.J. Hockenson’s season-ending ACL and MCL tear in Week 16, which may cause him to miss the beginning of the 2024 season. This injury opens up a potential starting position, with Muse potentially contending with Josh Oliver for the role in Hockenson’s absence.
Furthermore, the situation is compounded by the fact that Muse and Oliver are the sole healthy tight ends currently under contract with Minnesota, as Johnny Mundt is an unrestricted free agent. This scarcity underscores the importance of retaining Muse for depth and potential starting duties.
