By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
The Detroit Lions moved on from TJ Hockenson, the former Iowa Hawkeye was labeled as an extra blocker in the run game. But, we really haven’t seen it here in Detroit. So the current regime decided to trade him away. Only thing that surprises me really, is the fact he was traded within the Division to the Minnesota Vikings.
But the fact it cleared 13 million in cap this season, that means that the Vikings has decided to take on the entire contract for the the former top 10 draft pick. With Irv Smith Jr. injuring his ankle, it did fill a need for the Vikings. And made room for Detroit to sign possibly some better Caliber FAs, if they’re not tanking for the number 1 pick overall next season.
The details are Detroit trades TJ Hockenson this year’s 4th round pick, and a conditional 2024 4th round pick. While Minnesota sends a 2023 2nd round pick and a 2024 3rd round pick. This move gives Detroit 6 picks in the first 100 picks in the 2023 draft and a minimum of 4 in the first 100 picks in the 2024 draft, which coincidently is in Detroit in 2024.
Only thing surprising to me, is they didn’t piggy back a trade with Cleveland for, what I consider to be healthier, yet slightly older Kareem Hunt with Cleveland. The speedy receiving back would be a great replacement for the oft injured D’Andre Swift who’s biggest issue is staying on the field. But is electric when he is.
TJ Hockenson has made 80% of his production this season in 2 games. Yet, the only game Detroit won this season, was while TJ Hockenson was injured, food for thought.
But this move definitely cements what Brad Holmes said in the off-season presser, prior to the Lions being on HBO’s Hard Knocks offseasin edition. He said to expect the Lions to be competitive in 2023. Not 2022.
I personally feel the Lions got the better of this trade overall with turning 2 4th round picks into a 2nd and a 3rd round pick.
Minnesota Vikings:C+
Detroit Lions : B
Thank for Reading!!!!
