Outside grades of T.J. Hockenson trade roundly roast the Detroit Lions

T.J. Hockenson was sent to the Minnesota Vikings on trade deadline day, and the outside sentiment has been harsh on the Detroit Lions.

Speculation became reality when the Detroit Lions traded tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday. It made sense for the Lions to make the move to a certain degree, especially since they made little or no effort to get Hockenson signed to a contract extension in line with his increased market value.

The Lions simply have too many other needs right now to pay a tight end they didn’t believe is elite. It’s never easy to part with good players, and Hockenson could easily have been part of the future in Detroit.

Our own grade of the Hockenson deal was kind, with money off the books for 2023 and added draft pick capital as the positives. But the wider sentiment, mostly, has not been nearly as kind.

Outside evaluation of T.J. Hockenson trade harsh on the Detroit Lions

Here’s a sampling of the outside sentiment on the Lions for the Hockenson trade.

CBS Sports:

"All the Vikings are surrendering, to secure Hockenson through at least 2023 on a reasonable deal, is essentially the equivalent of a second-rounder. Detroit has reason to sell, to be sure, but why did their trade chip have to be one of their few proven building blocks, who will now play them twice a year and be difficult to replace even with the improved draft capital?Vikings grade: ALions grade: D+"

The Athletic (h/t to SI.com):

"Grade: FIf they draft a quarterback next year, it’d be helpful to have a quality tight end to pair with him.And why, when the offense is clicking, are the Lions taking away one of their premium pieces? This deal would make more sense if Hockenson was in the final year of his contract, but the Lions are merely unloading his $9.39 million cap hit in 2023."

Former NFL linebacker Will Compton:

"What are you doing?” he said. “Minnesota stole from you. They put the ski mask on and walked in and said, ‘Give us all your (expletive) money. Give us all your assets.’ T.J. Hockenson? One of the better young tight ends in the (expletive) league.”"

Pat McAfee:

"Congrats to the Lions for letting all their fans know exactly where we are this season,” McAfee said, then jokingly imitating the Lions and their decision to trade Hockenson to a division rival: “You know if we’re trading him, we want to see him twice.”"

ESPN did give the Lions a ‘B’ grade for the Hockenson trade. But otherwise, the Lions have widely been tabbed as the clear loser in the deal. Time will tell if that sentiment sticks, after the rush to grade and evaluate trades right after they happen and a full evaluation is possible.