Vikings Playmaker Josh Oliver Agrees to $21 Million, 2-Year Contract with New Orleans Saints
By Anthony Palacios
January 22, 2025
In a surprising move that could shake up the NFC South, former Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver has agreed to a two-year, $21 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. After a tumultuous stint with the Vikings, where he was regarded more for his blocking ability than his pass-catching skills, Oliver will now have the opportunity to prove himself with a new team and a new system. The Saints are hoping that Oliver’s blend of physicality and versatility will help improve their offense and provide a reliable option at tight end for their quarterback, Derek Carr.
The news comes as part of the Saints’ ongoing efforts to bolster their roster for the 2025 season and beyond, as they aim to reclaim supremacy in the NFC South. With a talented, but often inconsistent, offense, the Saints have been looking for ways to get the most out of their skill players, and adding a tight end with Oliver’s experience could be the key to unlocking more potential.
Josh Oliver’s Journey Through the NFL
Josh Oliver’s NFL journey has been a story of perseverance and adaptation. Originally drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Oliver was seen as a project — an athletic tight end with great size and potential. However, injuries derailed his early career, limiting his time on the field during his first two years. After being traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, Oliver began to show flashes of the player the Jaguars had hoped for when they selected him.
With the Ravens, Oliver had his most productive year to date, registering his first career touchdown reception and solidifying himself as a reliable run-blocking tight end. Despite his progress, Oliver never truly became a key piece in the Ravens’ offense, and in 2023, he was traded again — this time to the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings signed him to a three-year, $21 million contract with the hope that he could serve as a complementary option behind star tight end T.J. Hockenson.
However, despite the lucrative contract, Oliver’s time in Minnesota was disappointing. While he proved valuable as a blocker, his contributions in the passing game were minimal. In 2023, he caught only 18 passes for 206 yards and one touchdown. As the Vikings looked to free up salary cap space and improve their roster, it became clear that Oliver was unlikely to stay on the team for the long term.
Now, after a disappointing tenure in Minnesota, Oliver is looking to revitalize his career in New Orleans, where the Saints hope he can contribute both as a blocker and as a receiving threat when called upon.
The Saints’ Tight End Needs
For the New Orleans Saints, the tight end position has been one of relative uncertainty in recent years. While Juwan Johnson has shown flashes of brilliance, the team has not had a consistent, reliable option at the position. Last season, Johnson finished with 47 receptions for 515 yards and 4 touchdowns, which was an improvement, but the Saints still struggled at times to establish a dynamic passing game.
With quarterback Derek Carr now firmly entrenched as the Saints’ leader, the team was in the market for a tight end who could offer versatility and experience in both the running and passing games. The Saints’ offensive system relies heavily on a strong running game and short to intermediate passing routes, areas in which Oliver could fit in seamlessly.
Oliver’s ability to block will be key in the Saints’ offense, which is designed to feature both the running back committee — led by Alvin Kamara — and creative quarterback play from Carr. The addition of Oliver gives the Saints a reliable blocking tight end who can help open up running lanes and provide extra protection for Carr in the pocket.
In addition to his blocking, the Saints hope Oliver will contribute in the red zone, where the team has struggled to find consistent production at the tight end position. While Oliver is not known for his receiving prowess, his size and ability to win contested catches make him a potential weapon in goal-line situations.
Oliver’s familiarity with various offensive systems also gives him an edge in New Orleans. He has played under multiple coaching staffs in Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Minnesota, and his adaptability is something the Saints are banking on as they look to maximize his skill set.
Why the Deal Makes Sense for the Saints
For the Saints, adding Oliver to their roster makes perfect sense on several levels. First, the team had a pressing need at tight end, and Oliver provides a serviceable option at a reasonable price. The two-year, $21 million deal is a manageable contract that allows the Saints to invest in other areas while still improving their depth at the tight end position.
Second, the Saints have already invested heavily in their offensive line, and adding a solid blocking tight end like Oliver further strengthens their commitment to protecting Carr and establishing a powerful ground game. The Saints’ offensive line, which includes standout players like Ryan Ramczyk and Cesar Ruiz, will benefit from Oliver’s presence as an additional blocker, both in the running and passing games.
Finally, with Carr at the helm, the Saints are looking to make a playoff push in 2025. The addition of a reliable veteran tight end who understands his role and can contribute in key situations gives the Saints another weapon to rely on. As they continue to build their offense around Carr, Kamara, and their young wide receivers, the Saints hope that Oliver will help provide the stability and reliability they need at tight end.
The Fit with Derek Carr and the Saints’ Offense
One of the primary reasons Josh Oliver’s addition to the Saints is expected to be successful is his fit within the offensive system of quarterback Derek Carr. Carr is known for his ability to utilize short-to-intermediate throws, often leaning on his tight ends as safety valves when his wide receivers are covered. In this role, Oliver’s ability to catch short passes and contribute on third downs could be invaluable.
Carr is also adept at utilizing his tight ends in the red zone, where their size and ability to create mismatches are key. Oliver’s 6’5” frame and physicality make him a potential red zone threat, even if his overall production in the passing game has been limited throughout his career. With Carr’s ability to read defenses and get the ball to his playmakers quickly, Oliver could be in line for a career resurgence in New Orleans.
Furthermore, Carr has shown a willingness to incorporate multiple tight ends into his game plan. In his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Carr frequently utilized multiple tight ends, and the Saints are likely to follow a similar approach. Oliver, who can line up both inline and as a flexed-out tight end, will give the Saints flexibility in their offensive play-calling.
What This Means for the Future of the Tight End Market
The signing of Josh Oliver by the New Orleans Saints is another indicator of the growing demand for versatile, two-way tight ends in the NFL. Teams are increasingly looking for tight ends who can contribute as both blockers and pass catchers, and Oliver fits this mold perfectly. While he may not be a dynamic pass catcher, his ability to contribute in the running game and be a reliable safety net in the passing game will make him a valuable commodity moving forward.
In addition, the Saints’ commitment to Oliver reflects the broader trend in the NFL toward signing experienced, cost-effective veterans who can fill key roles. With the salary cap in mind, teams are looking for affordable options that can still provide significant contributions, and Oliver represents just that kind of player.
What’s Next for Josh Oliver?
For Josh Oliver, this move to New Orleans represents a fresh start. After a difficult run in Minnesota, he now has the chance to establish himself as a key piece of the Saints’ offense. If he can stay healthy and find a rhythm in the passing game, Oliver could have a significant impact in New Orleans. The next few seasons will be critical for Oliver’s career, and his performance with the Saints will determine whether he can continue as a starting-caliber tight end in the NFL.
As the 2025 season approaches, Oliver will have the opportunity to prove himself and show that he still has the ability to be a valuable contributor. With a talented quarterback in Derek Carr and a solid supporting cast around him, Oliver has the potential to help the Saints make a deep playoff run in the NFC.
In conclusion, Josh Oliver’s two-year, $21 million deal with the New Orleans Saints is a move that benefits both parties. For the Saints, it adds depth to their offense and helps solidify their tight end position. For Oliver, it offers a new opportunity to revitalize his career and make a lasting impact in New Orleans. As the 2025 season draws nearer, all eyes will be on Oliver and whether he can finally live up to his potential in a new environment.
