Packers: NFC North tight end power rankings entering free agency

Tight end is a position of need for the Green Bay Packers, but what about the rest of the NFC North?

During the regular season, the Detroit Lions made a surprise trade with a division rival, sending T.J. Hockenson to the Minnesota Vikings.

That helps put Minnesota top of these rankings, while tight end is an offseason need for Detroit.

1. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are the clear winners in these power rankings. It isn’t even close.

T.J. Hockenson played in 10 games for the Vikings after being traded, catching 60 passes for 519 yards and three touchdowns.

Hockenson is an excellent starter, but Minnesota may need to add more depth at tight end, as Irv Smith Jr. is a free agent.

2. Chicago Bears

Cole Kmet led the Chicago Bears in receiving this season, making 50 catches for 544 yards and seven touchdowns.

Justin Fields didn’t have a great supporting cast in Chicago, but Kmet proved to be a reliable target.

The Bears lack depth at tight end, though, so they should turn to either free agency or a deep draft class to find some help for Kmet.

3. Detroit Lions

For the fourth-ranked offense in the NFL, it was a surprising move to see the Lions trade T.J. Hockenson, especially to a division rival.

It leaves Detroit with Brock Wright at the top of the depth chart, who had 18 catches for 216 yards and four touchdowns this season. The Lions need to add a tight end or two this offseason.

4. Green Bay Packers

The Packers’ two best tight ends, Marcedes Lewis and Robert Tonyan, are free agents this spring. Even if both return in 2023, the Packers should still add another tight end this offseason.

Tight end has been a position of need in Green Bay for a while. As things stand, Josiah Deguara would be the Packers’ TE1 next season.