T.J. Hockenson traded from Lions to Vikings: Minnesota lands upgrade on injured tight end Irv Smith Jr.

It's somewhat rare for division rivals to make a big trade in the NFL, but it has happened today ahead of this afternoon's Trade Deadline. The Detroit Lions are sending excellent tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings also get a 2023 fourth-round pick and 2024 conditional fourth-rounder in exchange for a 2023 second-round pick and 2024 third-round pick.

Minnesota won its fifth straight game on Sunday but saw top tight end Irv Smith Jr. go down with a likely high ankle sprain that will cost him multiple weeks. The injury-prone Smith has 22 catches for 168 yards and two touchdowns overall this season. Johnny Mundt and Jacob Hollister are the other tight ends on the active roster in Minnesota – Mundt had a TD catch on Sunday, the first of his career.

The Vikings are clearly going all-in. They lead the NFC North by four games in the loss column over Green Bay and Chicago. Minnesota is -1100 to win the division at Caesars Sportsbook and is a 3.5-point favorite this Sunday at Washington. Adding Hockenson, a 2020 Pro Bowler, to a potent unit that already boasts Dalvin Cook, Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen makes the Minnesota offense quite scary.

Hockenson was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2019 draft and has had some of his own injury troubles. He's only played a full season just once so far. He has played every game this year for the disappointing 1-6 Lions and has 26 catches for 395 yards and three scores. It sure feels as if Detroit is punting on the rest of the season and might not be done trading.

Detroit hosts Minnesota in Week 14. 

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