Vikings Sign Tight End Josh Oliver to Three-Year Extension Worth $23.25 Million…….
The Minnesota Vikings have solidified a key piece of their offense by signing tight end Josh Oliver to a three-year contract extension worth $23.25 million, with a maximum value reaching $27.5 million. The deal includes $11.9 million in new guarantees and a total of $19.9 million in guaranteed money, according to Andrew Kessler of Athletes First, the agency representing Oliver.
This move marks a significant show of confidence in Oliver, who joined the Vikings in 2023 as a free-agent acquisition from the Baltimore Ravens. Known more for his blocking prowess than his receiving stats, Oliver has quietly become a valuable part of Minnesota’s offensive scheme. His ability to serve as both a sixth offensive lineman and a reliable target in the passing game has made him a key contributor in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system.
Since arriving in Minnesota, Oliver has excelled in a dual role that is often underappreciated. While his statistics in the passing game may not grab headlines—he caught just 22 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns in the 2023 season—his blocking has earned high praise across the league. Oliver’s presence has helped open up the run game for running backs like Alexander Mattison and Ty Chandler, while also providing quarterback Kirk Cousins (and potentially his successor) with strong pass protection and check-down reliability.
His contract extension underscores a broader strategy by the Vikings’ front office, led by general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. The organization appears to be prioritizing foundational pieces that contribute to the team’s overall structure and consistency. In Oliver’s case, his versatility and physicality make him more than just a traditional tight end—he is a player who elevates both the pass and run game through his technique and football IQ.
The new deal keeps Oliver in Minnesota through the 2027 season, a period that may see significant changes to the Vikings’ roster, especially at the quarterback position. Locking down a player like Oliver now offers the team flexibility and stability as they prepare for future transitions.
Oliver originally entered the NFL as a third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 out of San Jose State. Injuries hampered his early career, limiting his availability during his first two seasons. However, a trade to the Baltimore Ravens in 2021 allowed him to redefine his role, particularly in a run-heavy offense that showcased his elite blocking. That performance led to his signing with the Vikings last offseason, where he continued to build on that reputation.
Beyond the field, Oliver is also regarded as a locker room leader and consummate professional, attributes that likely factored into Minnesota’s decision to extend him. In a league where tight ends are increasingly expected to function as hybrid players—part lineman, part receiver—Oliver stands out for his ability to excel in both areas.
With this extension, the Vikings now have two tight ends under contract long-term—Oliver and T.J. Hockenson—giving the team one of the more formidable tight end duos in the NFC when both are healthy. While Hockenson is more of a vertical threat and pass-catching target, Oliver brings the balance needed to complete the tight end room.
In conclusion, Josh Oliver’s extension is a strategic investment by the Minnesota Vikings, one that reinforces their commitment to building a tough, balanced, and versatile offensive unit. As the team continues to evolve in the coming seasons, Oliver will remain a key component of their identity—tough, reliable, and quietly essential.