Who Should I Start? Josh Oliver or Ben Sinnott

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, 11:33 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott could be in line to see more snaps in Week 3 against the Raiders with tight end John Bates (groin) out. Sinnott has operated as Washington's third tight end since being drafted in the second round of last year's draft, but he has a chance to see a career high in snaps this week. Sinnott only played three snaps total and caught one ball for eight yards with Bates injured in Week 2's loss to the Packers, and how often he plays in Week 3 will be telling for the second-year tight end. He's not a direct replacement for Bates because he's not as good a blocker at the point of attack, but he is solid at blocking on the move and is an excellent athlete. There could be some specific packages for Sinnott against the Raiders, and getting a real look at him in game action will be noteworthy for his dynasty value. But he isn't on radars in redraft leagues for Week 3.