3 Vikings who won’t be back next year and best options to replace them

Vikings rumors: Irv Smith Jr. is on his way out

As nice as it is for the Vikings to have two pass-catching tight ends, it’s not a necessity.

When Minnesota traded for T.J. Hockenson, they did so knowing that Smith, Jr. might already have one foot out the door. The trade was not cheap, either, with Minnesota giving up a second-round pick in the process.

On paper, it looked like a very good trade for the Vikings, especially considering the draft capital they got back from Detroit.

Hockenson has proven valuable for the Vikings and O’Connell, and they’ve employed him in the offense well already. That should only improve with time as he develops a better rapport with Kirk Cousins. A former top-10 pick of the Lions, Hockenson has the potential to be one of the league’s best tight ends. Smith, Jr., meanwhile, is middle of the pack, and has injury concerns.

An easy replacement would be a solid blocking tight end who could help in the run game alongside Hockenson. Think Zach Gentry, currently also a Steeler, who is a big, burly blocking tight end. Gentry can also make plays in the passing game when called upon, and should be very affordable.