Robert Tonyan: King of the North

Former Packer TE Robert Tonyan will be joining the Vikings this season.

After spending an uneventful season with the Chicago Bears, former Packers TE Robert Tonyan has signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings. Tonyan has now been a part of every team in the NFC North, a rare feat - even in today's fast-paced free agency world. 49ers TE and Tonyan's former roommate, George Kittle has dubbed the former Packer, "King of the north" in a post on X. 

King of the north

— George Kittle (@gkittle46) May 16, 2024

Here's a quick rundown of Tonyan's NFL career highlights so far, from Detroit to Minnesota.

Written by: Aaliyah McClead

2017: Detroit Lions

Tonyan began his NFL career in Detroit but did not make the team.

Tonyan began his NFL career in 2017. The Detroit Lions discovered him and picked him up as an undrafted free agent. However, the TE's days with the Lions were short lived, as he didn't make the team, and was released before the start of the 2017 season. What was the Lions loss, became the Packers gain.

2017-2022: Green Bay Packers

Robert Tonyan became a reliable target for legendary QB Aaron Rodgers

Months after he was released by the Lions, Robert Tonyan was signed by the Packers and immediately joined the practice squad. However, Tonyan would go on to join the official roster in 2018, working with Packers then tight-end coach Brian Angelichio. The TE became one of legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers' most reliable targets. Over the next five seasons, Tonyan played 68 games, caught 137 passes, and scored 17 touchdowns. 

In 2020, Tonyan had his career high in receiving yards (586), playing a huge role in helping Rodgers secure his third MVP award. That same year, Tonyan also set the Packers record for most TDs scored by a TE in a single season (11). 

In 2021, Tonyan suffered a season-ending injury, a torn ACL, against the Arizona Cardinals. However, following his return in 2022, Tonyan returned to play all 17 regular season games and set his career high of 53 receptions.

It's Wednesday night and the #Packers are on a bye week... I'm already bored.

So, let's rewatch Robert Tonyan single-handedly decimate an entire secondary 👍

- 6 targets
- 6 catches
- 98 yards
- 3 TDs

Packers found themselves a TE... 😤 pic.twitter.com/AAvVuJR82I

— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) October 8, 2020

2023: Chicago Bears

Robert Tonyan had a disappointing season with the Bears.

The day after Aaron Rodgers published his tearjerking farewell to Green Bay on Instagram, free agent and McHenry, Illinois resident Robert Tonyan signed a one-year, $2.65 million contract with the Chicago Bears as a backup TE. 

Once again, Tonyan played all 17 games. Earning six starts, Tonyan made 11 catches for 112 receiving yards (his fewest since 2019), but was targeted only 17 times throughout the entire 2023 season.

Redzone and TD glory eluded the tight end last year, who played a minor role in the Bears' offensive scheme. It was the first season in Tonyan's career that he didn't score at least one touchdown. It's possible that this year will be a comeback year for Tonyan.

2024: Minnesota Vikings

Tonyan has signed with the Vikings

Now, Tonyan has signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he'll be joined by two familiar faces from his time with the Packers. Tonyan will once again be working with Brian Angelichio, who is now serving as the Vikings' pass-game coordinator and tight ends coach. Secondly, Tonyan will be reunited with former offensive teammate, Aaron Jones, who played alongside Tonyan throughout the TE's 5 seasons with the Packers.

Tonyan adds to what already is a position of strength for the Vikings. Tonyan will be serving as a stop-gap, playing in Pro-Bowler TJ Hockenson's place at the beginning of the 2024 season. Late last season, Hockenson suffered a torn ACL and MCL. Hockenson's injury is severe, and there isn't an official timeline for him to return. However, there's speculation that Hockenson could return in week 7's game against Detroit, allowing Tonyan to face the Packers in week 5.

FURTHER READING: Aaron Rodgers - Where Was Your Leadership in Green Bay?