Vikings Surprise with Contract Extension
We’ve reached the mandatory minicamp phase of the offseason program. It’s the first mandatory day, and all players have to show up unless they accept the subsequent fine. One Viking finalized the opposite of a fine, as he got paid.
Vikings Finalize Surprise Extension
The man of the hour is Josh Oliver, Minnesota’s blocking specialist at the tight end position.
He received a three-year contract extension. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, “Vikings signed TE Josh Oliver to a three-year extension for $23.25 million with a max value of $27.5 million, including 11.9M in new guarantees and $19.9M in total guarantees, per Andrew Kessler of Athletes First.”
Shortly thereafter, the club confirmed the news. Team writer Lindsey Young wrote on the website: “Josh Oliver is stickin’ around a while. The Vikings on Tuesday announced they have agreed to terms with Oliver on a three-year extension to keep the tight end in Purple through the 2028 season.”
Oliver was part of the 2023 free agency class that was headlined by Byron Murphy Jr. and Marcus Davenport. Murphy Jr. got his contract extension earlier this offseason because he only signed a two-year deal, and Davenport was let go after only one season. He is now with the Lions.
Oliver’s initial contract was for three years, worth $21 million. At the time, that was shocking as T.J. Hockenson was the clear number one option, and paying a TE2 that kind of money is unusual.
Nevertheless, Oliver offers a completely different skill set, as he is a phenomenal blocking tight end. Among the very best, actually, according to Pro Football Focus. Oliver finished the 2024 season as PFF’s best run-blocking tight end in the NFL, and he ranked 9th in overall TE grade.
Coaches appreciate the blocking aspect of the game way more than the average fan, which is why he is probably higher regarded in NFL circles than on the outside.
What the average fan is paying more attention to is the passing game. In 32 games with the purple team, Oliver recorded 471 yards and five touchdowns. Kevin O’Connell included him more as a pass-catcher compared to what he was used to with the Ravens and the Jaguars prior to moving to the Twin Cities, but there is still the feeling of some room to grow in that area. He produced career-best numbers in catches, yards, and touchdowns in 2024.
Let’s throw it back to his blocking. Offensive coordinator Wes Phillips made some strong claims during last season: “Josh is the best blocking tight end in the league, you know. And that’s no disrespect to anyone else and for anyone who wants to use that as fuel, go ahead; I can’t say I’ve studied each one intently, there are some good ones out there, but we’ll take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in. He’s not only physical imposing, he’s a 270-pound man, but the attitude that he plays with, the physicality.”
Unlike many other franchises, the Vikings have complete flexibility in their personnel packages with two excellent tight end choices and three capable wideouts. They can choose between 12 personnel and 11 personnel without missing a beat.
Phillips added that even referees get tricked by his blocking skills: “There have been times in his time here where I don’t know that they were particularly holds. I don’t think [the referees] are used to seeing a guy on the edge just kind of put a defensive end on his back, and he has gotten some calls in some situations where we’re like, ‘it’s hard to coach sometimes, that was a great block.’ But you see it every week. He’s moving humans, large, large men, and putting them on the ground.”
Oliver turned 28 in March, and he is now scheduled to be with the Vikings for four more seasons. Earlier this offseason, the Vikings handed a contract extension to Andrew Van Ginkel. Joshua Metellus could be next.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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