Vikings make significant roster move that highlights offensive shift Kevin O'Connell's been talking about

Vikings extending Josh Oliver signals focus on running game

The contract is a big one for the Vikings, and it's a good payday for Oliver. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, it's a three-year extension worth $23.25 million with a max value of $27.5 million.

Before the extension, Oliver was set to have a cap hit of $9.424 million, but he had no guarantees left on his deal. Schefter reported that $11.9 million will be new guarantees, with $19.9 million in new guarantees. With a base salary of $7.95 million this year, that is likely added into the total guarantees on the deal.

The structure of the contract will be really interesting to see, especially with how the Vikings salary cap is set to spike massively next year with over $50 million over the cap. They can maneuver money down the line, since it's essentially an interest free loan.

The extension of Oliver is a massive signal that the running game is going to be a major factor. The short yardage run game was incredibly poor last year, which is why they traded for Jordan Mason and fixed the interior offensive line. Keeping Oliver around long-term is a big signal that they believe his blocking, which is among the best from a tight end in the NFL, that they want to keep it going. 

The contract isn't a cheap one, but remember how pivotal Jim Kleinsasser was in the 2000s? This is exactly that with a different body type. Oliver's long-term security is a continued focus on the running game, something that O'Connell has continued to work on making better each year.