By Craig Peters
For the second time this week, the Vikings have added to their tight ends room.
Minnesota on Thursday announced the signing of veteran Robert Tonyan (pronounced TUN-yin).
The addition provides 85 games of experience and 24 starts. It also gives Tonyan a sweep of spending time as a member of each NFC North team.
The Illinois native originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Detroit in 2017, but he was released during final cuts before that season. He joined Green Bay's practice squad on Dec. 4, 2017 and was signed to the active roster in 2018. Tonyan teamed with new Vikings running back Aaron Jones through the 2022 season.
To make room for Tonyan on the 90-man roster, the Vikings waived undrafted rookie free agent linebacker Donovan Manuel.
Tonyan caught 137 passes for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns in 68 games (18 starts) for Green Bay before joining the Bears in 2023. His 11 touchdown catches in 2020 tied for fifth among all NFL players.
Last season, he caught 11 passes for 112 yards on 17 targets by Bears QBs.
Tonyan has played against the Vikings 10 times, including eight Border Battles while with Green Bay and both contests between Minnesota and Chicago last season.
Vikings passing game coordinator/tight ends Coach Brian Angelichio coached Tonyan in Green Bay in 2018.
Tonyan played collegiately at Indiana State from 2012-16, playing one season at quarterback and then switching to receiver for the Sycamores.
The Vikings on Monday added tight end Sammis Reyes through the International Pathway Program after the Chilean-born player participated in last weekend's rookie minicamp on a pro tryout basis.
Minnesota's tight ends room includes the following seven players: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Nick Muse, Trey Knox, Reyes and Tonyan.
