TJ Hockenson has been traded to the division rival Minnesota Vikings per Adam Schefter. The former Pro Bowl appears to not be a part of the Detroit Lions’ future. The Vikings seemingly make out like bandits here. The details are as follows:
Minnesota Vikings receive TE TJ Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick.
Lions receive a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick.
The former 8th overall pick in the 2017 draft has been a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing Detroit team. As the team move towards a rebuild, this deal makes some sense, but Hockenson is still 25 years old with 395 yards and 3 touchdowns so far in 2022. Detroit looks to be stocking up for the 2023 draft, but this deal only lands them a third round pick while losing their fourth-rounder. A questionable decision for Detroit, but that’s nothing out of the ordinary.
As for the Vikings, this deal is a great one. A 6-1 start to the season is leading the NFC North. Consequently, their young tight end, Irv Smith Jr., suffered a high ankle sprain Sunday against the Cardinals and is expected to miss multiple weeks. The addition of Hockenson gives them a playmaker in the receiving game as well as a force in the run game. This Vikings team is looking to make a strong push for the top spot in the NFC with the Eagles being 7-0.
Intradivision trades are not common, to say the least. However, the Lions and Vikings made a deal just this past offseason during the NFL draft. We saw the Lions move up to draft Jameson Williams as the Vikings move down to take Lewis Cine in the first round. A move for a Pro Bowl tight end like TJ Hockenson differs though.
Expect more trades as the NFL trade deadline approaches at 4 PM ET.
