Who Should I Start? Josh Oliver or Adam Trautman

Tuesday, June 10, 1:52 PM

The Minnesota Vikings signed tight end Josh Oliver to a three-year, $23.25 million contract extension on Tuesday with a maximum value of $27.5 million, according to Athletes First's Andrew Kessler. The deal includes $11.9 million in new guarantees and $19.5 million in total guarantees. With T.J. Hockenson missing time due to injury in 2024, Oliver had 22 receptions on 28 targets for a career-high 258 yards and three touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (12 starts), but it still wasn't enough to move the fantasy needle. The 28-year-old former third-rounder (69th overall) by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2019 NFL draft out of San Jose State excels as a run-blocker and will primarily be used in that role again in 2025. And now that Hockenson will be ready for the start of this season, we'd expect Oliver to be less involved as a pass-catcher.

Saturday, September 20, 12:28 AM

Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman has seen a significant snap share through two games, and he should remain involved during Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. Trautman has played at least 58 percent of the snaps in each of the Broncos' two contests thus far, averaging two catches, 7.5 yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. His pass-catching volume isn't exactly large, but his ability to get on the field as a blocker should continue to result in some opportunities for targets, especially around the goal line. However, he's not startable in fantasy football for the time being. In addition to operating behind Evan Engram on the depth chart, he also has a tricky matchup. The Chargers' defense has held two of the NFL's better tight ends -- Brock Bowers and Travis Kelce -- to an average of 3.5 catches and 42.5 yards per game.