With the NFL trade deadline ending this evening, the Detroit Lions struck early and have sent one of their biggest weapons, TE T.J. Hockenson (as well as a 4th round pick in 2023, and a conditional 4th round pick in 2024) to the Minnesota Vikings.
http://gty.im/1174312536T.J. Hockenson trade nets multiple picks
The Lions will receive a 2nd round pick in 2023, a 3rd round pick in 2024,
Taken in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 8th pick, Hockenson never lived up to the lofty draft spot he was taken by Dan Quinn. Only playing one full season in his 3.5 years in Detroit. He finishes his Lions career playing in 42 of a possible 56 games.
Hockenson has been the focus of many Lions’ fans’ ire as he was expected to be one of the top TEs in the NFL, yet never came close to topping 1,000 yards receiving, and had issues staying on the field. His best season was his sophomore campaign when he played all 16 games, totaling 67 catches for 723 yards, and six touchdowns.
Fair or not, Hockenson was supposed to be a bright part of the Lions’ future. His size, pass-catching, and run-blocking abilities were supposed to make him stand out from the pack. But whether it was being on a bad offense, or not playing up to the level expected of him, his time in Detroit will most likely be viewed as disappointing.
