The Minnesota Vikings face numerous difficult decisions as they aim to rebuild their roster into a serious contender for the 2025 season. One of these decisions involves the future of starting tight end Josh Oliver, whose role and value are under scrutiny despite his contributions in recent seasons. Oliver, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract in 2023, was brought in primarily to enhance the Vikings’ running game while offering some potential as a pass-catching option. However, his limited involvement on the field has raised questions about whether the team should move on from him to create more financial flexibility.
Oliver’s Role and Contract Concerns
Oliver played just 56% of offensive snaps in 2024, making his hefty price tag a subject of debate. Bleacher Report recently named him a top “cap casualty” candidate heading into free agency, citing the high cost of his contract’s final year. “This signing was a bit of a head-scratcher when it happened, and it’s likely to be re-evaluated in the spring,” the outlet noted. “The Vikings will already be paying T.J. Hockenson $16.9 million next season. Giving that much money to a second tight end is a difficult pill to swallow, and cutting Oliver would free up $5.1 million.”
The Vikings have a significant amount of cap space tied up in their tight ends, with Hockenson and Oliver accounting for a combined $26.3 million—12.1% of the team’s total salary cap. This ranks as the highest cap percentage dedicated to tight ends in the league, making Oliver’s place on the roster a prime topic of discussion.
Contributions to the Offense
Despite the financial considerations, Oliver has shown value as a player, particularly in specific situations. The Vikings employed 12 personnel (one running back, two wide receivers, and two tight ends) on 24.7% of their offensive snaps, which is near the league average. While their rushing attack struggled overall, Oliver was a standout run-blocker, earning the highest run-blocking grade among tight ends (73.0) according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). This performance even outpaced All-Pro George Kittle in this area, underscoring Oliver’s importance in setting the edge and creating opportunities for outside runs.
Oliver’s impact wasn’t limited to blocking. When Hockenson missed the first seven games of the season due to injury, Oliver had a chance to step up, though his contributions in the passing game were modest. He caught seven of eight targets for 72 yards during that stretch, with teammate Johnny Mundt assuming the primary receiving role. However, Hockenson’s return unlocked more opportunities for Oliver, highlighted by his season-best performance against the Indianapolis Colts, where he recorded 58 yards and a touchdown on five receptions.
Limited Passing Game Impact
Despite these flashes of productivity, Oliver’s role in the passing game remained marginal overall. Following his return from a wrist injury that sidelined him for two games, Oliver saw just seven targets over the final six games of the season, reverting primarily to a run-blocking role. His inability to carve out a more substantial receiving presence raises concerns about his value, especially given the Vikings’ pass-heavy offensive tendencies.
A Difficult Decision Ahead
The decision to cut Oliver is far from straightforward. While he ranks as the 11th-highest graded tight end for the 2024 season, just behind Hockenson at No. 10, the Vikings must weigh his contributions against the cost of his contract. His elite run-blocking skills are an asset, particularly in 12 personnel, where the Vikings ranked eighth in overall EPA. However, if the team strengthens its offensive line and running back corps during the offseason, Oliver’s specific role may become less critical.
Ultimately, the Vikings must decide whether Oliver’s contributions justify his salary or if those funds could be better allocated elsewhere. With $5.1 million in potential cap savings on the line, this decision will be a pivotal step in Minnesota’s efforts to build a roster capable of competing at the highest level in 2025.
Vikings confirms decision to Part Ways With $21 Million Pass-Catcher.
