The Minnesota Vikings have meticulously crafted a roster aligned with the vision of General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Head Coach Kevin O’Connell since their arrival in 2022. Free from the financial burden of Kirk Cousins’ contract, the team has prioritized protecting their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, by revamping the offensive line. However, these upgrades have cast a shadow over a key free-agent signing, tight end Josh Oliver, who appears to be nearing the end of his tenure with the team.
A Transformed Offensive Line
The Vikings made significant investments in their offensive line during the 2025 offseason. They drafted Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson in the first round and secured former Indianapolis Colts standouts Will Fries with a five-year, $87 million contract and center Ryan Kelly with a two-year, $18 million deal. These additions have propelled the Vikings’ offensive line to the cusp of a top-five ranking in the NFL, creating a robust foundation for McCarthy’s development.
Josh Oliver’s Uncertain Future
While the offensive line flourishes, Josh Oliver’s role has come under scrutiny. Signed in 2023 to a three-year, $21 million contract for his exceptional run-blocking ability, the 28-year-old tight end is in the final year of his deal. According to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson, there has been no progress on a contract extension. Speaking on SKOR North on June 5, 2025, Wolfson noted, “I think, at this point, Josh Oliver hits unrestricted free agency next March, which my understanding, is he would be okay with.”
Oliver’s value as a run-blocker remains undeniable. Pro Football Focus (PFF) ranked him as the 21st-best tight end in the league, with analyst John Kosko praising his elite blocking skills. “If there were a fantasy football league that prioritized run blocking, Oliver would be one of the first off the board,” Kosko wrote on May 29. “His 76.5 PFF run-blocking grade over the past two seasons ranks second at the position, behind George Kittle, and his 77.2 PFF overall grade ranks eighth.”
Financial Priorities and Roster Decisions
Despite Oliver’s contributions, the Vikings’ financial commitments at the tight end position raise questions about his future. With Oliver and Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson under contract for 2025, the team ranks second in the NFL in total cap spending at the position ($26.3 million), accounting for 12.1% of their salary cap—the highest percentage in the league. With the offensive line now fortified, the Vikings may prioritize investments elsewhere, potentially making Oliver expendable.
Wolfson elaborated on Oliver’s mindset, stating, “He’s moved around already. He sure likes it here, he is banking on himself having a good year this year, then being in a position to sign a third contract, maybe even back here. But not signing a contract extension like before training camp. I don’t think that is happening unless things change.”
A Potential Farewell
Oliver’s contentment with testing free agency in March 2026 suggests he is prepared to explore his options. Given his elite run-blocking skills, he could attract significant interest from other teams, potentially outpricing the Vikings, who may be cautious about over-investing at tight end. While Oliver has been a valuable asset, the team’s strategic shift toward a dominant offensive line and a cost-effective roster could see him depart after the 2025 season.
As the Vikings prepare for a promising season with McCarthy at the helm, Oliver’s future remains uncertain. His departure would mark the end of a brief but impactful stint in Minnesota, leaving fans to wonder if the team can maintain its momentum without one of the league’s premier blocking tight ends.