4 potential destinations for Vikings TE Irv Smith Jr. in 2023

Detroit Lions

The ongoing deals between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are not the norm around the NFL. However, dealing with divisional rivals is not a problem for general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah if he feels it can genuinely benefit the franchise.

T.J. Hockenson is the latest example. A difference-maker at the tight end spot who probably cost a little more coming from within the NFC North, but it was a price Minnesota was willing to pay given their sensational start to the 2022 campaign.

This leaves the Lions desperately short of reliable options at the position. However, it’s left them with a substantial amount of draft capital ahead of yet another rebuilding offseason in 2023.

There are too many questions in Detroit to say for sure whether or not Smith will be considered. The good graces surrounding head coach Dan Campbell are evaporating quickly, and selecting a franchise quarterback such as C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young is also a distinct possibility, given Jared Goff’s recent regression.

At least from the outside looking in, Smith makes a ton of sense. Someone that can step up and fill the void left by Hockenson if healthy.

The Lions were the NFL’s darlings after Hard Knocks. But this looks like a team miles away from contending, and the more playmakers they can accumulate, the better their chances will be moving forward.