The Minnesota Vikings are poised for a tumultuous offseason as they consider parting ways with tight end Josh Oliver, a key starter with a $21 million contract. According to sources from Athlon Sports and Heavy.com, this decision may be part of the Vikings’ strategy to restructure their roster for a competitive 2025 season, but it raises significant questions about the team’s future direction.
Josh Oliver: Value and Role in the Vikings’ Lineup
Signed to a three-year, $21 million deal in 2023, Josh Oliver has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier blocking tight ends. Serving as the TE2 (second tight end) behind T.J. Hockenson, Oliver has contributed not only in run-blocking situations but also made his mark with a career-high 216 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the 2024 season. T.J. Hockenson once praised Oliver as a “beast” on the field, highlighting his dominance in blocking plays.
However, Oliver’s value may not be enough to secure his spot amid the Vikings’ efforts to optimize their budget and bolster other positions. According to Bleacher Report, cutting Oliver is seen as a potential “cost-cutting” move, especially as the final year of his contract (2025) carries the largest financial hit. With the Vikings ranking second in the NFL in total tight end spending ($26.3 million), retaining both Oliver and Hockenson may no longer align with the team’s financial strategy.
Reasons Behind the Shocking Decision
This potential move stems from several key factors:
Roster Restructuring: The Vikings are gearing up for a major overhaul following the 2024 season. With only four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and a need to strengthen positions like the offensive line and running game, cutting Oliver could free up cap space to sign new talent or extend contracts for other stars.
Emergence of Gavin Bartholomew: According to Yahoo Sports, the Vikings selected tight end Gavin Bartholomew from Pittsburgh in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Bartholomew is viewed as a “value pick” by head coach Kevin O’Connell and could replace Oliver’s role at a lower cost, particularly in blocking situations.
Injuries and Absences: Oliver battled wrist and ankle injuries during the 2024 season, causing him to miss several key games, including a matchup against the Chicago Bears (Star Tribune). This may have diminished the coaching staff’s confidence in his ability to maintain consistent performance.
Impact on the Vikings and Fan Reactions
Losing Oliver could significantly affect the Vikings’ offensive strategy, particularly in run-heavy situations where he plays a critical role. T.J. Hockenson may need to take on a heavier workload, which could risk overloading the star tight end, especially as he continues to recover from injury.
Vikings fans on social media have expressed shock and concern over the news. Some consider cutting Oliver a “risky gamble,” while others believe the team should prioritize building a stronger offensive line to support quarterback prospect J.J. McCarthy.
Josh Oliver’s Future
If the Vikings move forward with releasing Oliver, he could become a highly sought-after free agent. With his elite blocking skills and ability to contribute as a receiver, Oliver is likely to attract interest from teams needing to bolster their offensive line, such as the New York Jets or Los Angeles Rams.
Conclusion
The Minnesota Vikings’ potential decision to release Josh Oliver is a bold move, reflecting head coach Kevin O’Connell and the front office’s ambition to reshape the roster. However, it comes with risks, especially given Oliver’s unique value to the team. Can the Vikings find a worthy replacement, or will this be a decision they come to regret? Only time will tell.