Vikings Fire Up Another Long-Term Extension
The popular consensus was wrong.
The Vikings turned some heads on Tuesday, affording a new contract to an unsung contributor.
Many — including this website — believed that Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver would play out his contract in 2025 and test free agency next March. The theory was widespread and dispensed by some of the most credible Vikings-themed voices in the Twin Cities.
But on Tuesday, the Vikings proved them wrong, extending Oliver’s contract for the long haul.
TE Josh Oliver Extended by Vikings
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “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.”
NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero added, “Josh Oliver joins Byron Murphy as 2023 free agent acquisitions to sign a second multi-year deal with the Vikings, who continue to lock up their veteran core.”
With no ambiguity, Oliver will be attached to the Vikings through the end of quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s rookie contract. It’s a done deal.
A Swerve in the Court of Public Opinion
On Monday, VikingsTerritory reported on the likelihood of Oliver’s departure after 2025. The team turned around and smashed that now infamous piece of internet jargon.
As recently as this week, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson hinted at Oliver’s departure following the 2025 campaign. And last month, Wolfson opined, “He’s another logical extension candidate that you at least engage with his representation, but certainly a comfort level that, if it gets to next March, Oliver is okay hitting unrestricted free agency.”
It did not get to next March, and Oliver will not explore free agency.
Vikings Serious about Improving Rushing Offense
When head coach Kevin O’Connell took over the Vikings, his team ranked 27th via rushing DVOA during his maiden voyage. The club vowed improvement — and finished 27th via the same metric in 2023, led by an underwhelming attack from running back Alexander Mattison.
Fast forward to 2024, and Minnesota, alas, climbed seven spots in DVOA, ranking 20th thanks to Aaron Jones’ arrival.
How does Oliver fit? Well, he’s a remarkable run-blocking tight end and might be the best in the business at the task. Accordingly, to avoid regression, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah locked down Oliver. He’ll be a central figure in the ground game for the next three to four years.
Full Continuity in the TE Room — Indefinitely
Minnesota will also embrace total continuity for at least three consecutive seasons. Adofo-Mensah traded for Hockenson midseason in 2022, added Oliver four months later, and those two will headline the purple TE room for a few more years, at minimum.
Behind Hockenson and Oliver, the franchise will hope a newcomer like Gavin Bartholomew or Ben Yurosek emerges as a trusted TE3.
Adofo-Mensah also signed tight end Giovanni Ricci, mainly a special teams asset, on Tuesday — minutes before the Oliver extension.
More Oliver Takes
Athlon Sports‘ Trevor Squire noted on Oliver last month: “Signed to a three-year, $21 million contract in the 2023 offseason, Oliver was considered a meaningful addition to the running game. Oliver graded out as the sixth-best run-blocking tight end by Pro Football Focus (PFF) during the 2022 season with the Baltimore Ravens.”
“He graded as the fourth-best run-blocking tight end of the 2024 season and also saw an uptick in his involvement as a pass-catcher, posting a career-high 258 yards receiving and three touchdowns as a second option behind T.J. Hockenson.”
Oliver turned 28 this offseason and still has multiple years of his physical prime ahead of him.
Squire added, “There was an expectation for Oliver to take on a large share of Hockenson’s target load during the Pro Bowl tight end’s nine-game absence to begin the season. However, Oliver has his own role that is tantamount to the running game’s success, while Hockenson is leaned on to line up as a receiver both in the slot and out wide more frequently.”
“Overall, Oliver graded out at the 11th-best tight end by PFF last season, one spot behind Hockenson at No. 10 overall.”
Oliver has caught 44 passes for 471 yards and 5 touchdowns in O’Connell’s offense through two seasons.
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