Vikings $21 million tight end Josh Oliver is a probable cut candidate this upcoming offseason. According to a Bleacher Report, the Minnesota Vikings will likely release their backup tight end before free agency. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former San Jose State product was hoping to adjust to a pivotal role with the Jacksonville Jaguars before missing the majority of his two first seasons with them. However, after a trade to the Ravens in exchange for a conditional 2022 seventh-round selection, Oliver got his first career touchdown pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The tight end hasn’t done any spectacular as a pass catcher but Pro Football Focus has him as a reliable run-blocking tight end. In 2023, he got an “out of nowhere” contract from the Vikings, signing a three-year, $21 million contract with them. It’s fair to say the Vikings are probably overpaying him considering he’s just the backup for the team and needs all the money to retain T.J. Hockenson in the future. Minnesota needs to be smart about their financial situation despite the team having more than $60 million in salary cap this upcoming offseason, every dollar should count for the team as they need to stack a roster of weapons to help the next signal-caller.
Vikings $21 Million Playmaker Josh Oliver a Probable Cut Candidate – Chiefs, Panthers Top Fits
One Last Ride
The Kansas City Chiefs have all of the momentum in their hands so far but after another potential Super Bowl, all of that could go down the drain depending on how the free agency plays out. However, the good news is quarterback Patrick Mahomes always figures out how to bring out the best in pass catchers no matter the environment he’s in. With DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown possibly leaving, the team needs to put Mahomes back in the best position to win ball games next season. Veteran tight end Travis Kelce has been teasing retirement the entire 2024 campaign and if the Chiefs win the Super Bowl again, he may hang up his cleats as the 35-year-old isn’t getting any younger.
If free agency this upcoming offseason works against them, it would leave rookie Xavier Worthy and second-year Rashee Rice as the more reliable targets. After a trade this past offseason, Peyton Hendershot should be returning to the team on a new contract. The team will still be in the position to draft a new tight end but they must get someone as temporary relief to help Hendershot. Perhaps, Josh Oliver is more of a better blocker, he may have reliable hands to get short-yardage in possessions where they need to just move the chains.
Rebuilding Mode
The good news for the Carolina Panthers is their faith in Quarterback Bryce Young again. After benching him, the Panthers should avoid that happening as he has a few promising wide receivers out of Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker. The team will likely be in the market for a wideout but that shouldn’t stop them from acquiring a tight end from the free-agent market. With Tommy Tremble set to leave the team, the Panthers should sign Oliver if he becomes available on a new contract to be the replacement.
Ja’Tavion Sanders is showing a promising bright spot but as the rookie prepares for his second year, he could use some assistance. Since Young is thriving with this offense again, the Panthers should put him in the best position to maintain that consistency. Oliver might do anything special in this offense but he could be a nice set of new hands for Young.
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