The Minnesota Vikings have emerged as the class of the NFC North this season and made a trade before Tuesday’s deadline to show they are all in on this season.

The Lions acquired tight end T.J. Hockensen from divisional-rival Detroit, sending a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick to the Lions in exchange for Hockensen. 

The Vikings are also receiving a 2023 fourth-round pick and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick in the trade. 

It is a massive move for the 6-1 Vikings to give quarterback Kirk Cousins and the offense another weapon in the passing game, especially after the team recently lost its current starter, Irv Smith, to a high ankle sprain.

Hockensen was the No. 9 overall pick by the Lions in the 2019 draft. 

In seven games this season he has already caught 26 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns. Prior to the 2022 season the Lions exercised their fifth-year option on his contract, guaranteeing him a $9.3 million salary for the 2023 season. 

The two draft picks are a steep price to pay for Hockensen, but he is a significant upgrade, is under contract for another year, and the Vikings clearly see a window for opportunity to compete this season. They have a huge lead in the NFC North, while there is only one truly dominant team in the NFC as a whole (Philadelphia). It is the perfect time to take a chance and swing for the fences.