Who Should I Start? Josh Oliver or Gunnar Helm

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.

Sunday, August 24, 6:12 PM

With all teams now through the preseason and working on roster cuts, Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm was his team's highest-rated preseason player. Playing in all three contests, Helm did most of his damage in the second game against the Falcons, in which he caught four balls for 48 yards and a score. His overall score of 84.7 reflects solid work as both a run and pass-blocker, as well, and trails only Tyler Warren amongst 2025 rookie tight ends. The 6'5", 250-pound 4th-round pick enters the season as the team's number two tight end behind Chig Okonkwo, but in an offense looking for playmakers, it should come as no surprise if the team finds ways to get them both on the field. Helm is a low-risk add for dynasty rebuilders.