4 options for the Detroit Lions to replace T.J. Hockenson in 2023

SideLion Report

After trading T.J. Hockenson, who could be the long-term tight end for the Detroit Lions?

Once upon a time, not so long ago, a contract extension for T.J. Hockenson felt like a formality and he felt like a future building block for the Detroit Lions. But with contract talks apparently never really getting going, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings on deadline day this week.

The Lions are now looking for who may be there long-term answer at tight end. They weren’t in a position in their roster build, at least theoretically, to pay Hockenson in line with his increasing market value based on the contracts recently given to David Njoku and Dawson Knox.

On Wednesday, general manager Brad Holmes said he would have considered trading Hockenson even if the Lions were 6-1. The deal with the Vikings made sense, so it was done.

The Lions won’t be making any notable additions at tight end for the rest of the season, but players like rookie James Mitchell, Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra have opportunity in front of them from here on out. Jason Cabinda, who is nearing a return from injury, may also see some snaps at tight end when he’s ready to play.

Looking beyond this season, to at least 2023 if not beyond, here some options for the Lions to replace T.J. Hockenson as their top tight end.

4 options for the Detroit Lions to replace T.J. Hockenson as their No. 1 tight end in 2023

Articles You May Like

Inside the Pride | 2024 Week 14
NFL roundup: Lions end Thanksgiving skid, improve to 11-1
Who on the team would you let date your daughter? | Detroit #Lions #shorts
Week 14 NFL Power Rankings: Lions Still Reign Despite Chicago Scare
Jahmyr Gibbs player props odds, tips and betting trends for Week 14 | Lions vs. Packers

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *