The Detroit Lions have traded former Pro Bowl Tight End TJ Hockenson to the division rival, Minnesota Vikings. Detroit receives four draft picks in return, from Minnesota including 2023 2nd Round, 2023 4th round, 2024 3rd round and 2024 conditional 4th round picks.

Hockenson, the former 8th overall pick in the 2019 draft in the midst of a solid season in 2022, joins an already loaded offense with the NFC North leading Vikings that features names like Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook and Adam Thielen. With this move the Vikings seem to be loading up for a deep playoff run.

Hockenson not only provides another weapon for the Vikings, but should also help the running game out with the protection he can provide as a blocker. This was a good pickup for the Vikings, as it seems Hockenson could potentially be their guy at Tight End for the foreseeable future.

From the Lions perspective, they were going to have to give Hockenson a big raise in his upcoming contract. For them, they made the decision not to pay him, and stack further draft capital by trading him. Hockenson while he has shown flashes with the Lions, has been an inconsistent performer thus far since he arrived in Detroit.

The worst part about this trade for Detroit was sending him in division, to the Minnesota Vikings. Where Hockenson now will more than likely shine in Minnesota, and the Lions will be facing off against him and the Vikings twice a year for years to come.