On what has been a quiet trade deadline day for much of the morning, a massive blockbuster NFC North trade has occurred: Detroit TE T.J. Hockenson is heading to Minnesota, according to Adam Schefter:
According to Schefter, the Vikings are getting Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-rounder, and a conditional 2024 fourth-rounder in exchange for their 2023 second-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick, which will belong to the Lions now.
This is a wild in-season trade by the NFL’s usual standards, and it’s even wilder considering it’s an intradivisional swap. The Lions are out of the hunt by the deadline per usual, so why not get a second-round and third-round pick for a tight end you probably weren’t interested in giving a big payday too shortly?
For the Vikings, Hockenson adds to an already loaded offense in Minnesota. With the Vikings in firm control of the NFC North, it makes sense to take a home run swing on a deal that might elevate you to a Super Bowl contender, especially with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers having the season that they (deserve) are to this point.
Plus, Minnesota got mid-round picks back from Detroit in addition to Hockenson, making the trade a big win for Minnesota at face value.