T.J. Hockenson Traded to Minnesota
NFL Week 8 - The Minnesota Vikings have acquired Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson via trade, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The Vikings will send a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick to Detrout in exchange for Hockenson, a 2023 fourth, and a 2024 fourth.
Hockenson was drafted by the Detroit Lions eighth overall in the year 2019 and was quickly integrated into the offense. Hockenson finished second on the team in targets in each of the last three seasons, including through seven games this season. Hockenson currently ranks 9th in DYAR and 10th in DVOA among tight ends; his 8.4% DVOA is on pace for the best finish by DVOA of his career.
The news comes just one day after ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Vikings starting tight end Irv Smith Jr. would be sidelined for the near future with a high ankle sprain sustained in Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. Smith ranked 37th in DYAR and 36th in DVOA among 37 qualifying tight ends this season.
Comments
20 comments, Last at 02 Nov 2022, 8:19pm
#19 by Lost Ti-Cats Fan // Nov 01, 2022 - 9:08pm
Nailed it. "Now everybody will forget about us overpaying for that guy."
Probably good for Hockenson, who's unlikely to have to hear talk in Minnesota about how the Vikings gave up too much to get him. Oh, and he gets to play for a playoff-bound team, so that part's an upgrade for him, too, come to think of it.
#2 by Joey-Harringto… // Nov 01, 2022 - 1:02pm
Ugh, hate it. Yeah, his blocking was a bit disappointing, and he's a clear tier or two below Kittle and Kelce.....but he's 25, a top 10 pass-catcher at his position, and getting better each year.
Unless his future contract demands were going to be unreasonable, why not keep him around for your future rookie QB? In that context, they didn't really get enough for him.
#15 by Spanosian Magn… // Nov 01, 2022 - 4:09pm
But he's not a free agent until after 2023. Having a good player on a rookie contract for another year ought to command a significant premium, I should think.
Although, are there non-Kelce, non-Kittle TEs who would command a 1st Rounder in a trade? Maybe Andrews, maybe Pitts if he counts as a "TE"? I guess the Hockenson trade might actually be the "premium."
#9 by BigRichie // Nov 01, 2022 - 1:37pm
Short run, will this help the Vikings all that much? I'd think it'll take some time anyway to integrate Hockenson into the passing game. The running game less so, but supposedly he's an adequate-but-no-better blocker? And we're all rather pessimistic about the Vikes' playoff potential.
Long run? The Vikings trade a latish 2nd Round draft choice for a negotiating advantage regarding their new tight end. Unless they sign Hockenson to a mildly/slightly market-friendly extension, that strikes me as a long run loss.
If Hockenson helps Minnesota win a Divisional Round playoff game, and/or signs a friendly extention, Win. Otherwise, Loss.
#12 by Joey-Harringto… // Nov 01, 2022 - 1:45pm
"but supposedly he's an adequate-but-no-better blocker"
That's being generous. My eyes tell me he occasionally shows flashes as a run blocker, but is overall slightly below-average, and PFF has his run blocking graded in the 40's (his pass pro is pretty good, FWIW).
#10 by Johnny Ocean // Nov 01, 2022 - 1:37pm
Is the Irv Smith problem really worth it? Is Hockenson really all that big an upgrade when Minnesota does not really focus on the TE in their passing attack? Did anyone notice that Hockenson can't block? I guess doing the deal is a way to signal to ownership that you are an elite team with SB potential because you are willing to go get a decent replacement for the injured TE with 14 catches and a single TD so far this season.
#17 by TheAnonymousCo… // Nov 01, 2022 - 7:49pm
Smith has -52 DYAR on 33 targets and Mundt has -11 DYAR on 14 targets. 3rd WR K.J. Osborn has 31 targets so far this year. (The only other WR/TEs with targets are Reagor with 5, Nailor with 1 -- on the fake punt -- and 3rd string blocking TE Ellefson with 3)
#11 by RickD // Nov 01, 2022 - 1:44pm
The Vikings are in good position to compete for a high seed and might as well make a run for the brass ring this season. Hockenson is a good pass catcher and will help spread out the passing attack. And the cost isn't bad at all.
#20 by ImNewAroundThe… // Nov 02, 2022 - 8:19pm
You had top 5 TE (Kelce, Kittle, Pitts, Andrews) that apparently WANTED to be there and you gave him up for what is currently the 61st pick.
In division doesn't matter. If it's the best, then take it (or in this case, KEEP HIM). There's no reason to be afraid. You know their weakness. If there are none, DONT TRADE EM!