When the Detroit Lions stumbled to a dismal 1-6 start in the 2022 NFL season, T.J. Hockenson found himself at the center of trade rumors. Entering his fourth year, Hockenson anticipated the franchise might need to decide whether to keep him. Despite his strong start and reassurances from offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, he remained cautiously optimistic about the rumors.
After all, why wouldn’t he be? Through seven games, Hockenson had 26 catches for 395 yards and three touchdowns, on track for a potential Pro Bowl season.