In the NFL, the role of a run-blocking tight end often doesn’t get much attention, especially with the rise of fast, athletic tight ends who can make big plays catching passes downfield. But with the Minnesota Vikings, Josh Oliver’s contributions are recognized and celebrated.
“Josh is the best blocking tight end in the league, and that’s no disrespect to anyone else,” said offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “For everyone who wants to use that as fuel, go ahead. I can’t say I’ve studied each one that intently.
There’s some good ones out there, but we’ll take Josh over anybody in this league in the role that he’s in.”
After struggling with their running game in 2022 during coach Kevin O’Connell’s first season, the Vikings focused on improving their ground attack.
They brought in Oliver, a 6-foot-5, 259-pound tight end, in free agency to help strengthen their run game. Now, he’s starting to show the impact the team hoped for.
Though the running game only saw small improvements in 2023, the Vikings, with the addition of Aaron Jones, are finally seeing more success on the ground. This has forced opponents to consider how much attention they give to slowing down top receiver Justin Jefferson, potentially leaving more room for the run.
Oliver has been a key part of the Vikings’ running game improvement, especially when top tight end T.J. Hockenson was out recovering from knee surgery for the first seven games.
“Josh is one of those guys who, once he gets his hands on you, it’s kind of, ‘Good luck,’” said Hockenson. “He’s just a superhuman. It is incredible. It’s a lot of fun to be able to have him by our side.”
In 2023, Josh Oliver signed a three-year deal with the Vikings worth up to $21 million. This year, his salary cap hit is around $6.1 million, and it’s set to rise to about $9.4 million in 2025 before he becomes a free agent again.
Oliver was drafted by Jacksonville in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft after playing at San Jose State. He didn’t get much playing time as a rookie and spent the 2020 season on injured reserve due to a broken foot. The next year, he was traded to Baltimore, where he played for two seasons before moving to Minnesota.
This week, the Vikings will face the Jaguars, Oliver’s original team. He is coming off a strong performance against the Indianapolis Colts, where he set a career high with five catches for 58 yards, his best yardage total in two years with Minnesota.
He also scored a touchdown in the game, marking his second straight game with a score as the Vikings won 39-30.
“I was just getting a lot of opportunities, and I was just able to take advantage of them,” Oliver said. “That’s just the way the ball was going.”
While Oliver’s reliable hands and ability to run clean routes add flexibility and productivity to the offense, his true value is in his blocking. Sometimes, the Vikings feel he’s been unfairly called for holding because of his strength.
“I don’t think they’re used to seeing a guy on the edge put a defensive end on his back,” said offensive coordinator Wes Phillips. “He’s moving humans, large men, and putting them on the ground. It’s been a big part of why we’ve been able to have some success on the ground.”
