When the Vikings' first move of free agency this spring was to sign blocking tight end Josh Oliver to a three-year, $21 million deal, some fans were understandably confused. Why did Minnesota need to pay another TE with T.J. Hockenson and Johnny Mundt already on the roster?
Well, for starters, the deal is functionally worth more like $13 million over two years with the way it's structured. And four weeks into the 2023 season, Oliver has been worth every penny. He's excelled in his role, with Pro Football Focus grading him as the best tight end in the league thus far.
Oliver's biggest strength is his elite run blocking ability. He's earned an 83.7 run blocking grade that ranks second among TEs, highlighted by an 89.5 grade in Sunday's victory over the Panthers. Oliver's combination of size, strength, and athleticism helps him get to exactly where he needs to be and open up running lanes in combination with the Vikings' offensive line.
Through four games, Oliver has played just 99 of the Vikings' 253 offensive snaps (39 percent). But when he's in the game, he almost serves as a sixth offensive lineman in Kevin O'Connell's offense. In addition to his run blocking, Oliver hasn't allowed a pressure in 18 pass blocking snaps.
He also has seven catches for 49 yards and a touchdown, putting him on pace for a 30-208-4 receiving line. His career highs as a receiver, set last year with the Ravens, are 14 catches, 149 yards, and two scores.
"It’s not a great nickname, but I started calling him the ‘Sears Tower,’ because I feel like when I throw to him, I’m throwing to the Sears Tower running across the field," Kirk Cousins said of Oliver this week. "And it’s not even the Sears Tower anymore, it’s the Willis Tower, but the nickname still works. It hasn’t truly caught on. I don’t think there’s many guys in the locker room calling him that. But I feel like that sums it up. He’s a big target, a friendly target, great athleticism and obviously a great blocker."
Oliver's presence as a true in-line tight end allows Hockenson to play in the slot when both are on the field together. He's an extremely valuable chess piece for O'Connell because he can run block, he can pass block, and he can run routes and catch the football. Even though he plays just about 40 percent of the time, Oliver is a critical part of what the Vikings want to do on offense.
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