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<\/p>\nThe Minnesota Vikings offense is expected to undergo a considerable transformation after overhauling the offensive front.<\/p>\n
Introducing three new starters to the offensive interior in center Ryan Kelly, right guard Will Fries and first-round pick Donovan Jackson at left guard, the Vikings’ running game should have some more oomph after being a bottom-10 unit throughout the Kevin O’Connell era.<\/p>\n
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If that’s the case, a starter entering the final year of his $21 million contract could be rendered obsolete, prompting his camp being content to walk to free agency.<\/p>\n
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Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (84)Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
On May 1, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson reported that starting tight end Josh Oliver’s representation is comfortable reaching free agency next March.<\/p>\n
“He’s another logical extension candidate that you at least engage with his representation, but certainly a comfort level that, if it gets to next March, Oliver is okay hitting unrestricted free agency,” Wolfson said on SKOR North<\/a>.<\/p>\n Signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in the 2023 offseason, Oliver was considered a meaningful addition to the running game. Oliver graded out as the sixth-best run-blocking tight end by Pro Football Focus (PFF) during the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n He graded as the fourth-best run-blocking tight end of the 2024 season and also saw an uptick in his involvement as a pass-catcher, posting a career-high 258 yards receiving and three touchdowns as a second option behind T.J. Hockenson.<\/p>\n There was an expectation for Oliver to take on a large share of Hockenson’s target load during the Pro Bowl tight end’s nine-game absence to begin the season. However, Oliver has his own role that is tantamount to the running game’s success, while Hockenson is leaned on to line up as a receiver both in the slot and out wide more frequently.<\/p>\n Overall, Oliver graded out at the 11th-best tight end by PFF last season, one spot behind Hockenson at No. 10 overall.<\/p>\n The Vikings rank second in total cap spent ($26.3 million) and have the highest cap percentage (12.1%)<\/a> sunk at the tight end position with Hockenson and Oliver under contract next season.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Oliver carries a $9.4 million cap hit for the 2025 season. Whether his $7 million-a-year deal<\/a> is a worthy benchmark to discuss in extensions remains to be seen — and the 2025 season will be the proving grounds.<\/p>\n At 28 years old, Oliver has one more chance to test free agency in his prime and may opt to do so entering a contract year.<\/p>\n