The Minnesota Vikings offense is expected to undergo a considerable transformation after overhauling the offensive front.
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.
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.
On May 1, KSTP's Darren Wolfson reported that starting tight end Josh Oliver's representation is comfortable reaching free agency next March.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
Overall, Oliver graded out at the 11th-best tight end by PFF last season, one spot behind Hockenson at No. 10 overall.
The Vikings rank second in total cap spent ($26.3 million) and have the highest cap percentage (12.1%) sunk at the tight end position with Hockenson and Oliver under contract next season.
Oliver carries a $9.4 million cap hit for the 2025 season. Whether his $7 million-a-year deal is a worthy benchmark to discuss in extensions remains to be seen -- and the 2025 season will be the proving grounds.
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.
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