T.J. Hockenson trade likely signals end of Irv Smith Jr.’s Vikings tenure
When the Minnesota Vikings selected Irv Smith Jr. in the second round of the 2019 draft, the expectation was he would become the team’s No. 1 tight end.
But following Tuesday’s trade with the Detroit Lions that brought in Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson as well as draft-pick trades, Smith Jr.’s time in Minnesota is likely coming to an end.
The 24-year-old Alabama alum logged 22 receptions for 168 yards and two touchdowns this season before suffering an ankle injury in Minnesota’s 34-26 win over the Arizona Cardinals that will sideline him for eight to 10 weeks, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Smith Jr. will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, and with Hockenson under team control through 2023 season with a $9.39 million salary next season, Minnesota appears to be ready to move on from Smith Jr.
Hockenson has 26 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns through seven games. He has 11 fewer receptions but has 125 more yards and the same number of touchdowns as all of Minnesota’s tight end combined.