The Los Angeles Rams have emerged as a prime candidate for trade deadline activity, and while most speculation has centered on shoring up the defense, tight end is increasingly drawing attention. Two-time Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings has been suggested as a potential target, surprising some fans given the Rams’ existing depth at the position.
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T.J. Hockenson: A Possible Fit in LA
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Currently a member of Minnesota’s 3-4 scheme, Hockenson was the No. 8 overall pick by the Detroit Lions and is signed through 2027 on a four-year, $66 million contract. Notably, there is no guaranteed money in 2026 or 2027, making him a relatively low-risk trade option.
Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer suggested a trade could send a 2026 third-round pick to the Vikings in exchange for Hockenson, describing him as “the missing third option in the adjacent Rams offense.” Despite modest production this season—27 receptions for 222 yards and one touchdown—Hockenson has posted consecutive 900-yard campaigns in previous years and could benefit from playing with MVP-level quarterback Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles.
Rams Trade Rumors: Other Tight End Trade Options
Hockenson isn’t the only tight end linked to the Rams. Baltimore Ravens star Mark Andrews and Tennessee Titans’ Chigoziem Okonkwo have also been floated as potential targets. While Andrews is more experienced, Hockenson offers youth, size, and upside, making him an intriguing fit alongside Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Davis Allen.
CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin outlined a hypothetical trade for Andrews, sending 2026 fifth-round picks to Baltimore. Andrews, 30, has 21 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns this season, but with the Ravens at 1-5 and Isaiah Likely ready to take over as the future at tight end, an early split could benefit both teams.
The Rams’ Current Tight End Situation
Despite roster depth, Los Angeles has struggled to find consistent production from the tight end spot. Tyler Higbee, the starter, is 33 and not a dynamic receiving threat, while backups have failed to emerge as reliable options. Nate Atkins of The Athletic noted that the Rams’ running game showed vulnerability in Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London when using 12- and 13-personnel sets. The team leaned heavily on multiple tight ends, a strategy effective for red-zone conversions but limiting explosive plays.
Pat Freiermuth of the Pittsburgh Steelers has also been suggested as a trade candidate for Los Angeles. With limited snaps in Pittsburgh, Freiermuth’s breakout performance in Week 7—five catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns—highlighted his potential as a primary receiving tight end. Acquiring him could allow the Rams to reposition Higbee in a more traditional role while giving Stafford a dynamic target over the middle.
Deadline Dynamics
The 2025 NFL trade deadline on November 4 looms, and the Rams’ 5-2 record positions them as legitimate contenders with flexibility to improve. With Matthew Stafford in MVP form and elite wideouts Puka Nacua and Davante Adams leading the passing attack, adding a proven tight end could elevate the offense to another level, especially in the NFC West’s competitive landscape.
Rams trade rumors are heating up, and while defense remains a focus, the tight end position may be the area where Sean McVay and GM Les Snead make a decisive move to bolster the passing game before the deadline. Whether it’s Hockenson, Andrews, or Freiermuth, Los Angeles is clearly eyeing strategic upgrades at a surprising offensive spot.
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