Bill Johanesen
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The Vikings agreed to terms with Oliver on a three-year deal, per sources. What it means: The Vikings are looking for ways to elevate their run efficiency after ranking No. 26 in the NFL last season with 4.1 yards per carry, while tying for No. 23 in the league with a first-down rate of 23%. This move suggests they will attempt to do so with an increased rate of "12" personnel, featuring two tight ends, after using it at the NFL's seventh-lowest rate in 2022. Because there's no reason to think that Oliver, who has 26 catches in 35 NFL games, will cut into the playing time of incumbent tight end T.J. Hockenson. And the Vikings didn't jump out on the first day of free agency to sign a part-time player. Oliver developed a reputation as a strong run blocker during his time in Baltimore. What's the risk: We will see exactly what the real numbers look like from Oliver's contract, but it's not often a team jumps out and grabs a blocking tight end on the first day of free agency. How much return does a team get from a tight end who, based on previous patterns, is not a threat in the passing game? Does a team need to act with this kind of urgency to lock one down, or can one be found in the mid-to-late parts of the draft? For a team that was still working to get under the salary cap at the time it made this deal, every dollar counts.
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