NFC North: Lions trade T.J. Hockenson to Vikings

So much for the unwritten rule that says never trade within your division. With just hours remaining before the 2022 NFL Trade Deadline, the Detroit Lions are sending tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings for a 2023 second-round pick.

ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the full details of the trade:

Trade terms, source tells ESPN:

Vikings get TE T.J. Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick.

Lions get 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 1, 2022

Trading Hockenson to the six-win Vikings is a bizarre decision by the Lions, considering the potential long-term impact the former first-rounder from Iowa can have in the NFC North for years to come.

Detroit picked up T.J. Hockenson’s fifth-year option before the 2022 season. The Vikings will likely keep Hockenson in Minnesota through the 2023 season before a long-term contract extension has to be ironed out.

Hockenson’s best season came in 2020 when he totaled 67 catches for 723 yards and six touchdowns. He’ll make an immediate impact in the Vikings offense with tight end Irv Smith sidelined for multiple weeks with a high ankle sprain.