One of the many questions facing the Detroit Lions in the coming months was answered on Tuesday by GM Brad Holmes. During his time with reporters at the NFL owners’ meeting in Florida, Holmes declared the team will pick up the fifth-year contract option on tight end T.J. Hockenson.
“Hockenson, obviously, he’s a big part of what we did last year,” Holmes said. “It was unfortunate when he became unavailable for us, but he’s another (player) that we’ll continue to lean on this year.”
Picking up the option was likely not a difficult decision. Hockenson has emerged as one of the NFL’s better tight ends, earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2020 and leading the Lions in reception (61) and yards (583) prior to a season-ending injury after 12 games.
Because of the Pro Bowl nod, Hockenson’s option price is a little more expensive. He will earn $9.4 million in 2023, fully guaranteed. Hockenson and the Lions are free to work out a contract extension at any point, too. The deadline for the team to pick up the option is May 2nd.