Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver was the latest player to receive an extension , getting $27 million over three years to stay withthe franchise through the 2028 season. It's the latest in a line of extensions that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has given out. Andrew Van Ginkel and Aaron Jones got them first, and Josh Metellus is likely next.
It felt a little odd why the Vikings chose to extend Oliver at that price since he is the TE2 and T.J. Hockenson is in front of him. It's both a complicated yet simple answer.
Josh Oliver's versatility crucial for extension
Why would the Vikings choose to extend Oliver? It's certainly a good question. They don't have the best salary cap situation in the National Football League, but it's nowhere near dire.
Simply put by offensive coordinator Wes Phillips on Wednesday? He's the best blocking tight end with pass game value.
"Yeah, I think, no disrespect to anyone else, but I think Josh Oliver's is the best blocking Y with pass game value in the NFL, you know? And again, I've liked a lot of over the years, but what he brings to us from a physicality standpoint in the run game, from being able to block defensive ends some good, really good players as a single blocker. A lot of times, those guys say, 'You never let a tight end block. You never let a tight end, pass protect on you.' Josh is kind of a different, different human when it comes to that. We try to get him to walk off the bus first anytime we're traveling. But no, he's a great worker. He's extremely tough. He had a lot going on last year with hands and wrists and, you know, never said a word about it. Just went out and did his job every single day, and just got a lot of respect for him, love for him."
Oliver is an exceptional blocker at the tight end position. In fact, his play is reminiscent of Jim Kleinsasser from the 2000s. Just a dominant force on the outside who can act like a third tackle.
The difference between Oliver and a tackle is his ability as a receiver. He's not an elite player as a receiver, despite having been drafted as one back in the 2019 NFL Draft. Having the ability to do both is why you give Oliver that kind of money, as 12 personnel becomes even more lethal.
"I mean, that's what you love. Oliver's a big Y who has pass game value, and then TJ is the F that's a great receiver, but can run block. So they have to make a decision, you know, they want to play smaller people, try to defend against the pass. And you got all kinds of athletes on the field that can make them pay there and with the run game, you can always get a match-up somewhere where the nickel has got to be. He's a linebacker now, he's got to be a part of that run fit in one way or the other. And you can try to scheme up where you want him to be, but it just gives you some advantages. Base defense. All right, maybe we want to throw the football, but we still have the opportunity to run it, just kind of opens up everything for you when you have two guys like that who both have that skill set."
Having great 12 personnel is a cheat code in the NFL. Linebackers have gotten smaller due to the need when it comes to coverage over the middle of the field. Having faster personnel and you run it right at them. Have a two down linebacker who struggles in coverage and throw right at them. You need a player like Fred Warner or Roquan Smith to be able to maneuver around that kind of advantage.
Oliver might have gotten a sizable contract, but he both earned it and will continue to do so. It's a really impressive duo that can take advantage of defenses across the board.
