As expected, the Lions have locked in tight end T.J. Hockenson through the 2023 season. Tim Twentyman of the team’s website tweets that the Lions have picked up Hockenson‘s fifth-year option. The move will attach the tight end to a $9.39MM salary for the 2023 campaign.
This seemed to be the expected move after the two sides didn’t agree to an extension. We learned earlier this month that the Lions were expected to pick up the fifth-year option, but only as a placeholder as they looked to extend the Pro Bowler.
The eight-overall pick in the 2019 draft has emerged as one of Detroit’s top targets. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2020 after hauling in 67 receptions for 723 yards and six touchdowns, and he followed that up with 583 yards and four scores in 12 games in 2021. Thumb surgery ultimately shelved him in December of last year.
The Lions still have plenty of time to extend Hockenson. Last year, we saw the Patriots sign Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry to deals that averaged $12.5MM per year, and Dallas Goedert later one-upped the duo by inking a deal worth $14.25MM AAV. The league’s highest-paid TEs, George Kittle and Travis Kelce, clock in a bit above that at $15MM and $14.3MM, respectively.
Hockenson’s agent would be hard pressed to reset the market at tight end. However, the $9MM+ commitment for 2023 indicates that the two sides can’t be that far apart.
Imagine how good this guy could be if he had both a good starting QB and talented WRs. He’s sometimes had the former (Stafford) but has just about never had the latter.
Until this year, he had Stafford, Golladay, and Jones. His stats look better without them because he gets absolutely funneled targets.
Pay the man Holmes. Worth every penny.
Funnily, his fifth year option is barely less than the franchise tag for tight ends.
Exactly. He does alot for this team with so little help. Like I said, worth every penny. He works hard and he trains in the offseason with some of the best. I see big things out of him next year.
This was a no-brainer.
I would still add another TIghtENd JUST IN CASE, Hock decides he’s done in Detroit or wont sign long-term.Always have to prepare for situations like this.For example,Suh leaving in 2014.They knew Suh was destined to leave after that playoff loss to Dallas…well…let’s say a gift wrapped win for Dallas.Detroit had a chance @ his replacement (cough cough)AARONDONALD but whiffed big time..but noooo they drafted ( a hickup…ERIC” the pass was placed in your hands perfectly, but you still dropped the ball Ebron”) a tightend but the wrong te who could have been drafted in the later rds.NoahFant shood have been the pick here.