The Minnesota Vikings are sending draft picks to the Detroit Lions in return for tight end T.J. Hockenson, the team announced Tuesday.
In the trade, Detroit gets a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick, while Minnesota acquires Hockenson along with a 2023 fourth-round pick and a 2024 conditional draft pick.
The Vikings are looking to add to an already loaded offence of Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook and quarterback Kirk Cousins, who is getting an upgrade at the tight end position in Hockenson.
For the Lions, Hockenson recorded 395 yards and three touchdowns on 26 receptions in seven games this season, averaging 15.2 yards per reception.
In four seasons in Detroit, Hockenson has been targeted 287 times for 186 receptions, recording 2068 yards and 15 touchdowns. During the 2021 season he earned Pro Bowl honours for the first time.
Current Vikings tight end Irv Smith is expected to be sidelined eight to 10 weeks with a high ankle sprain.