T.J. Hockenson thought Lions could trade him, but not to Vikings

Tight end T.J. Hockenson was admittedly surprised the Detroit Lions agreed to send him to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. 

"I kinda knew. I had a little idea. I didn’t expect here, but obviously super, super excited to be here," Hockenson explained Wednesday about his thoughts on the transaction, as shared by Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "When I got here last night I was like, 'This is pretty sweet.' Just excited to be here, for real." 

Hockenson's feelings are understandable considering the 1-6 Lions are currently in the basement of the overall NFL standings. Meanwhile, the 6-1 Vikings are in first place in the NFC North heading into this coming Sunday's matchup at the 4-4 Washington Commanders.

"I’m grinding," Hockenson said about possibly featuring in the Week 9 contest. "I got in last night and they gave me my iPad. I’m trying to learn this offense as much as I can. There’s a lot of ins and outs to it, but football is football. This will be my fourth offense now that I’ve been in throughout my career, so just learning new terminology." 

Per ESPN's Kevin Seifert and Eric Woodyard, Detroit received a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 third-round pick in the trade. Minnesota acquired Hockenson, a 2023 fourth-round selection and a conditional 2024 fourth-round choice.

Hockenson had tallied 26 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns across seven games this season before the deal.