Tight finish Josh Oliver, one of many Ravens’ most improved gamers in 2022, agreed Monday to a three-year, $21 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, a supply with direct information of the deal confirmed to The Baltimore Sun.
The Ravens traded for Oliver earlier than the 2021 season, hoping he may unlock the potential that had made him a third-round choose for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. He performed 14 video games his first 12 months in Baltimore however took on a larger function in 2022, constructing on a powerful coaching camp to develop into top-of-the-line blocking tight ends within the NFL.
The deal won’t develop into official till Wednesday afternoon. The lack of Oliver units the Ravens as much as obtain a compensatory sixth-round draft choose in 2024 primarily based on a method that accounts for common wage per 12 months, enjoying time and awards. Compensatory picks received’t develop into official till subsequent March.
Former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman mentioned he had by no means seen a participant enhance extra as a blocker from one season to the following. “He just made us put him on the team, and he continues to make us play him,” Roman mentioned in November.
Oliver, 25, additionally caught 14 passes on 25 targets for 149 yards and two touchdowns. He performed all 17 video games, began 9 and performed 47% of the Ravens’ offensive snaps.
Though the Ravens might need favored to maintain Oliver, they may not afford the expense given their lack of wage cap room and depth at tight finish, the place starter Mark Andrews is a three-time Pro Bowl choice and 2022 fourth-round picks Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are anticipated to tackle bigger roles in 2023.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com
