Vikings Trade for TJ Hockenson

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been on the prowl for pass catching help the last couple of weeks, as the NFL trade deadline began to creep closer. Then, Irv Smith went down with an injury vs the Cardinals last week, which exacerbated the problem. That’s why, on Tuesday, the Minnesota Vikings made a trade with the Detroit Lions to acquire tight end TJ Hockenson from the Detroit Lions.

To complete the deal, the Vikings had to swap out some draft picks in 2023 and 2024.

• Out: 2023 2nd Round Pick, 2024 3rd Round Pick
• In: TJ Hockenson, 2023 4th Round Pick, 2024 4th Round Pick (Conditional)

Trade! The #Lions are sending TE T.J. Hockenson to the #Vikings, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Minnesota sends a 2023 second-round pick and 2024 third-round pick to Detroit for Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick and a 2024 conditional fourth-round pick. pic.twitter.com/9P0ZjbS64g

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 1, 2022

TJ Hockenson is a significant move

Hockenson is having a career season, already racking up 395 yards receiving and 3 TD’s, through 7 games (26 receptions). That’s more 2022 receiving yards than anyone on the Vikings roster, not named Justin Jefferson.

TJ’s 15.2 yards per reception is by far the highest of his career and he’s established himself as one of the go-to targets in Detroit’s offense. On paper, he should make the Minnesota offense that much more dynamic.

And all Kwesi had to do was swap out a couple of picks over the next few drafts, to get it done.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan