WTF? Lions Trade T.J. Hockenson To Vikings

The Lions first-round draft pick in 2019 is gone, swapped to division rival Minnesota for future draft picks.

Hockenson Was Injury Prone But Emerging As An Offensive Threat

The trade was made just as the National Football League's deadline approached at 4 pm Tuesday.

The Vikings, who are leading the NFC North division with a 6-1 record, lost their starting tight end, Irv Smith, to a high ankle sprain in Sunday's 34-26 win over Arizona.

Hockenson's only flaw has been his injuries, which have limited his play over the last couple of seasons. The trade is pending on a physical clearing Hockenson to play.

T.J. missed parts of the 2019 season with an ankle sprain and a concussion, and part of the 2020 season with turf toe. he was out for a few weeks last season with a shoulder injury. This tendency to miss games may have been a factor in the decision to deal him.

Hockenson Was A Consistent Favorite Target For QB Jared Goff

Hockenson has caught 26 passes for 395 yards so far in 2022, including three passes for 80 yards in a 31-27 loss to Miami at Ford Field on Sunday.

For Hockenson the Lions will receive the Vikings' second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft, and their third-round pick in 2024. The Vikings will also get the Lions' fourth-round picks in 2023 and 2024.

Hockenson has 186 receptions for 2,058 yards and 15 touchdowns in his four seasons with the Lions. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020 when he set career highs in receptions (67), yards (723), and touchdowns (6).