Getty Image / Leon Halip
In a surprising turn of events, the Detroit Lions trade TJ Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings. It’s a rather bold move, as Hockenson is regarded as one of the best young tight ends in the league. Additionally, the front office shipped him off to a division rival as well. Now, the fanbase is freaking out about it.
Lions Fans Can’t Believe The Lions Traded TJ Hockenson To The Vikings
According to Adam Schefter, Detroit is sending Hockenson away for a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick. Meanwhile, the Vikings receive TJ Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round pick, and a 2024 fourth-round pick.
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
As you can imagine, Lions fans aren’t taking this trade too well. Hockenson played a major role in the offense and has been a major asset to Detroit. However, they seem much more concerned by the fact he’s playing for a divisional rival than anything else.
Why trade one of your best players to a division rival?
— Cameron Salerno (@cameronsalerno1) November 1, 2022
Is this all just a ploy to ensure the Green Bay Packers don’t win the NFC North?
Lions and Vikings teaming up to ensure packers downfall let’s all laugh at the packers 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/hemYgvBdqJ
— Im Him! (@native_ace) November 1, 2022
Not wanting to pay TJ Hockenson a big contract makes sense. It’s still a questionable decision to trade him to the Vikings though.
Don’t give him to a division rival 😂
— Augustus (@The_Augustus) November 1, 2022
At the end of the day, the Lions made the decision to trade Hockenson to Minnesota. We’ll see how it plays out, but in the end, the Vikings are looking like legitimate threats out of the NFC North right now.