Minnesota Vikings Sign Former Ravens Tight End To Multi-Year Deal

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free-agent tight end Josh Oliver to a three-year, $21 million deal with $10.75 million guaranteed, according to sources.

The #Vikings have agreed to terms with TE Josh Oliver on a three-year, $21 million deal, source says. He gets $10.75 million guaranteed and has incentives that can take the deal up to $24 million. One of the best blocking tight ends in the league.

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2023

A former third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Oliver played only four games for his original team before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2020.

In 2021 and 2022, he served as a solid backup tight end for the Ravens, recording 14 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts) last season. 

JOSH OLIVER! RAVENS LEAD! pic.twitter.com/Emd5n6Q8dr

— PFF BAL Ravens (@PFF_Ravens) November 27, 2022

Oliver is known for his run-blocking skills, one of the best in the league in that area, and is unlikely to see many targets in his new role behind T.J. Hockenson, who the Vikings acquired last season. More importantly, Oliver's signing suggests that fellow free agent Irv Smith is unlikely to return to the Vikings. 

Over his three-year career, the 25-year-old has recorded 26 receptions for 230 yards and two touchdowns on 46 targets across 35 games played.
Photo Credit:  Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK