Josh Oliver will be remaining with the Vikings for years to come. The veteran tight end agreed to an extension on Tuesday, as first reported by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. 
This will be a three-year pact with a base value of $23.25MM, Oliver’s agent informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The deal contains $11.9MM in new guarantees and can reach a maximum of $27.5MM. Oliver is under contract through 2028, and his latest pact is now official.
A third-round pick of the Jaguars in 2019, Oliver faced high expectations upon arrival in the NFL. His Jacksonville tenure began with only four games played during his rookie season, however. Foot surgery then led to an absence spanning the entire 2020 campaign. When Oliver was traded to the Ravens in March 2021, the move allowed him a change of scenery and the opportunity to increase his market value.
The San Jose State product managed to remain mostly healthy during his two Baltimore seasons, although he did not factor much into the team’s passing attack. Nevertheless, Oliver spent the second half of his rookie contract showcasing his value as a strong run blocker. Success in that regard landed him a three-year, $21MM free agent deal with the Vikings in 2023. So far in Minnesota, Oliver has totaled 471 yards and five touchdowns on 44 catches.
While that represents an uptick in usage compared to his previous stops, the 28-year-old has primarily been used as a run blocker in Minnesota. Oliver’s success in that regard has made him an effective complement to T.J. Hockenson, who has three years remaining on his $16.5MM-per-year contract. The Vikings will have an even more expensive TE room moving forward.
Minnesota has finished no worse than sixth in passing yards during each of head coach Kevin O’Connell‘s three years at the helm. With wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison still in place, expectations will remain high in that regard for 2025. Oliver will play a depth role in the passing attack, but he will also still be counted on to operate as one of the league’s top blockers at his position.