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Against all odds, the MN Vikings lock down tight end who publicly dismissed any chance of a deal.

Posted on June 11, 2025 - 2:30 am by

The Minnesota Vikings kicked off their 2025 mandatory minicamp at TCO Performance Center in Eagan, marking the start of a critical phase in their offseason preparations. With the entire team gathered, these three days of workouts offer more practice time—up to 10 hours per day, totaling a maximum of 24 hours—than the six-hour daily limit allowed during phase three of the NFL offseason under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). However, as players arrived on Tuesday morning, the Vikings dropped a bombshell that caught fans and analysts off guard.

Josh Oliver Signs Surprise Contract Extension

In a stunning turn of events, the Minnesota Vikings announced a three-year, $23.25 million contract extension for tight end Josh Oliver, securing his services through the 2028 season. The news, first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, came as a shock, especially given recent reports that suggested an extension was unlikely before the 2025 regular season.

Oliver, a 28-year-old San Jose State alum, was selected 69th overall in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. After spending three seasons primarily with the Baltimore Ravens, where he recorded 26 receptions for 230 yards and two touchdowns, Oliver joined the Vikings in 2023. In his two seasons in Minnesota, he has significantly elevated his game, hauling in 44 receptions for 471 yards and five touchdowns.

Known as one of the NFL’s premier blocking tight ends, Oliver’s role aligns perfectly with head coach Kevin O’Connell’s increased emphasis on the run game for the 2025 season. His extension signals a clear commitment to bolstering the Vikings’ offensive identity, making the move a logical fit—on paper.

A Surprising Reversal

The timing of the extension is what makes this news so unexpected. Just days ago, on the Mackey & Judd Show on SKOR North, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson reported that an extension for Oliver before the regular season, let alone training camp or minicamp, was highly unlikely. Wolfson noted that Oliver was prepared to bet on himself, perform strongly in 2025, and test unrestricted free agency in March 2026. “I think, at this point, Josh Oliver hits unrestricted free agency next March,” Wolfson said, adding that Oliver “sure likes it here” but was not expected to sign a new deal before camp unless circumstances changed dramatically.

Clearly, something shifted. While Wolfson’s reporting was likely accurate at the time, it’s possible that Oliver’s camp used the public narrative to push the Vikings into more serious negotiations. Whether this was a strategic move or a sudden change in priorities, the result is the same: Josh Oliver is now locked in as a cornerstone of the Vikings’ offense for years to come.

A Win for Kevin O’Connell’s Vision

This extension is a significant victory for Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings’ 2025 aspirations. Oliver’s versatility as a blocker and receiver provides the team with a reliable weapon in both the passing and running game. His presence will be crucial as the Vikings aim to build a balanced, physical offense capable of competing in a tough NFC North.

As minicamp unfolds over the next three days, the Vikings can now focus on integrating Oliver into their evolving schemes, knowing their key tight end isn’t going anywhere. Against all odds, Minnesota has secured a player who, just days ago, seemed destined to play out the season without a new deal. For Vikings fans, this is a promising sign of the team’s proactive approach heading into a pivotal 2025 campaign.