While Tj Hockenson trade was obviously made for long-term future of the franchise, Dan Campbell believes the Detroit Lions might be better.
T. J. Hockenson : Trade | Vikings | Number | Salary
Thomas James Hockenson is an American football tight end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL).
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born: | July 3, 1997 Cherokee, Iowa |
|
Height: |
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight: | 244 lb (111 kg) |
He was drafted in the first round (eighth selection overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Iowa.
As a redshirt sophomore in 2018, he was awarded the John Mackey Award as the nation’s top tight end in college football.
Tj Hockenson trade
The Detroit Lions have not fielded calls yet for tight end T.J. Hockenson.
The NFL trade deadline could result in a couple of Detroit Lions moving on to other teams.
In recent weeks, tight end T.J. Hockenson has been the topic of trade rumors. With his rookie contract nearing it’s end, a long-term extension might not be in Detroit’s interest, since his role in the offense has not drastically increased this season.
In 2022, Hockenson has only topped four receptions or 50 yards in a game once (Seahawks).
He is not being targeted at the rate others have been at his position, thus making him expendable, if the team can find a suitable trade partner.
“I love everybody in this locker room. I love being here in Detroit,” Hockenson told the Free Press this week, “I mean, but more importantly and most importantly I love playing football and so I’m going to have the opportunity to do that and that’s really what my whole role in this entire league is to do is to play football. So as long as I have that opportunity I’m good.”
While the 25-year-old wants to remain in Detroit and is satisfied with his role in the offense, he understands the nature of business in the National Football League.
Tj Hockenson Vikings
On November 1, 2022, the Lions traded Hockenson along with a 2023 fourth-round draft pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round draft pick.
Early in the week, the expectation was that Hockenson would be ready to go full throttle next week against the Buffalo Bills but they got him up to speed.
They said on the broadcast that former Detroit Lions and current Vikings practice squad quarterback David Blough helped get Hockenson up to speed. They got to work that night at 10 o’clock and it paid dividends on Sunday.
Hockenson was targeted nine times against the Commanders. He caught them all and gained 70 yards, including catching six first downs. This was the best tight end performance the Vikings have had since 2018.
He wasn’t just great through the air but also in the running game. He helped open up holes for Dalvin Cook and was the inline threat with blocking ability that the Vikings need for this offense.
This was also great for Hockenson. The Detroit Lions won six games in his rookie season and never topped that. Now, Hockenson is on a team with seven wins in their first eight games.
With a performance like this after being with the team for just five full days, imagine how good he will be after consistent practice time.
Number
The Minnesota Vikings are all-in — with their “competitive rebuild,” that is.
- No. 87 – Minnesota Vikings
The acquisition of tight end T.J. Hockenson from the Detroit Lions will assuredly elevate production from the position during the second half of this season and boost their chances of a deep playoff run.
But his arrival also meshes with the style of long-term roster building general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has emphasized since taking the job 10 months ago.
“Living in today and tomorrow,” Adofo-Mensah said this week.
The Vikings are attempting a delicate balancing act this season, hoping to wring out the remaining upside of a veteran roster while beginning the process of overhauling it. (Adofo-Mensah has referred to it as a “competitive rebuild.”)
They’ve managed a 6-1 start despite one of the least productive tight end groups in the NFL, and the player they had the most hope for — Irv Smith Jr. — went on injured reserve Tuesday because of a left ankle injury.
Salary
Hockenson is under contract for the remainder of this season along with the 2023 season as the Detroit Lions already picked up his fifth-year option.
| Contract: | 4 yr(s) / $19,821,225 |
| Signing Bonus | $12,435,436 |
| Average Salary | $4,955,306 |
| Total Guarantees | $19,821,225 |
| Guaranteed at Signing | $19,821,225 |
| Free Agent: | 2024 / UFA |
Hockenson’s base salary jumps up to $9.3 million next year.