MINNEAPOLIS — Less than four hours before the NFL trade deadline Tuesday, the Vikings made a significant deal to upgrade their offense, acquiring tight end T.J. Hockenson in a deal with the Lions.
Hockenson, a 2020 Pro Bowler who's caught 26 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns this season, should help the Vikings upgrade a position of need in their offense, with Irv Smith dealing with an ankle sprain that could keep him out for several weeks. Adding another pass-catcher seemed like a priority for the Vikings even before Smith was hurt on Sunday, and Hockenson could help them solidify the tight end position in both 2022 and 2023.
To acquire Hockenson, the Vikings sent their 2023 second-round pick and their 2024 third-rounder to the Lions, who gave Minnesota a fourth-rounder in 2023 and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2024. The trade would be completed when Hockenson passes a physical.
