The Los Angeles Rams have been figured as a prime trade candidate. However, while the Rams’ most glaring needs have appeared to be on the defensive side of the ball, T.J. Hockenson is the latest tight end suggested as an option.
Currently a member of the 3-4 Minnesota Vikings, Hockenson is a two-time Pro Bowler and was the No. 8 overall pick by the Detroit Lions.
The 2025 NFL trade deadline is on November 4 at 4 p.m. ET.
Rams Listed as Landing Spot in ‘Best Deal’ for Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson
GettyT.J. Hockenson #87 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer listed the Rams as the receiving team in the “best deal to make” for the Vikings.
This Heavy Sports Rams trade proposal would send draft capital to the Vikings for Hockenson.
Rams get:
- T.J. Hockenson
Vikings get:
- 2026 third-round pick
“Let’s start by saying the Vikings, at .500, are unlikely to make a deal either way with little glaring need and limited pending free agent assets,” Iyer wrote on October 23. “But this would be interesting, given Hockenson keeps not producing as a key target for Kevin O’Connell but could turn out to be the missing third option in the adjacent Rams offense.”
Hockenson is signed through the 2027 season on a four-year, $66 million contract. Notably, there is no guaranteed money on his contract in 2026 or 2027. That could make him appealing in a trade, for the Rams or another team, before the deadline.
It could also set the stage for Hockenson to seek a new deal.
Rams Linked to TEs Despite Depth
GettyMark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before facing the Detroit Lions.
The Rams have also been speculatively linked to Baltimore Ravens star Mark Andrews and Chigoziem Okonkwo of the Tennessee Titans. Hockenson is younger than Andrews, more accomplished than Chigoziem, and a bigger-bodied target than both.
Hockenson has 27 receptions for 222 yards and 1 touchdown this season.
He posted back-to-back seasons with over 900 yards, but had his 2024 campaign cut short due to a severe knee injury. This season, the Vikings have navigated quarterback issues.
The Rams offer an intriguing alternative, with Matthew Stafford playing at an MVP level. They are also deep at the tight end spot, with Tyler Higbee atop the depth chart ahead of Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, and Terrance Ferguson.
Rams Leaned on Multi-TE Sets With Mixed Results
GettyTyler Higbee #89 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during a game against the Houston Texans.
The Athletic’s Nate Atkins noted that the Rams’ running game suffered from their heavy use of 12- and 13-personnel in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, a game LA won 35-7.
It also shored up one of the few shortcomings they have had this season.
“They used 13-personnel on more snaps in that game than in the four previous seasons combined, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats,” Atkins wrote on October 23.
“The advantage of more tight ends is that it’s easier to muddy the picture on play action, and that proves effective on third downs and in the red zone, where the goal is to convert rather than to be explosive. Those are the only two areas of real concern on this Rams offense right now.”
The Rams will face the New Orleans Saints in Week 9 before the trade deadline.
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