Detroit Lions Rumored to Be ‘Almost Done’ With Josh Oliver – But He Suddenly Turned Back to Vikings After 2am Call?

A Shocking Turn in the Middle of the Night
Just when it seemed like tight end Josh Oliver was preparing to make a surprising move to the Detroit Lions, the deal reportedly fell apart in the early hours of the morning. According to sources close to the situation, Oliver was “almost done” finalizing terms with Detroit—until a mysterious 2am phone call changed everything. By sunrise, he had reportedly decided to stay with the Minnesota Vikings, leaving Lions fans confused and insiders scrambling for answers.

Detroit and Oliver Were Reportedly Close
Multiple reports this week indicated that the Lions were aggressively pursuing Josh Oliver, known for his elite blocking ability and emerging pass-catching skill. With Detroit seeking to bolster its tight end depth behind Sam LaPorta, Oliver was seen as an ideal fit for Dan Campbell’s physical, run-heavy offense.

Insiders claimed that negotiations had progressed rapidly. One source said, “They were drawing up final numbers. It was practically a handshake away from being done.”

The 2am Call That Changed Everything
According to one unnamed team staffer, the unexpected twist happened just after 2:00am. Oliver, who had been in Detroit meeting with coaches and reportedly feeling “very comfortable,” received a phone call believed to be from a high-ranking member of the Vikings organization—possibly even head coach Kevin O’Connell or GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

The nature of the conversation remains unclear, but the result was immediate: Oliver reportedly informed his representatives that he would not be moving forward with Detroit.

Was It Loyalty, Strategy, or a Better Offer?
Theories are already circulating. Some speculate that the Vikings made a last-minute financial offer to match or beat Detroit’s terms. Others believe the conversation was more personal—focused on Oliver’s comfort in the Vikings system, locker room relationships, or promises of an increased role in the offense.

Another popular rumor? The call wasn’t about money or football—it was about family stability and continuity, something Oliver reportedly values deeply after bouncing between multiple teams in his early career.

Fan Reactions Are Mixed on Both Sides
Lions fans took to social media to voice their disappointment, with some expressing frustration over yet another near-signing that didn’t materialize.
“Felt like Josh Oliver was the piece to solidify the TE room. Woke up and he’s staying in Minnesota? Wild,” one fan tweeted.

Meanwhile, Vikings fans were thrilled—and more than a little curious. “What did we say at 2am that flipped him back?” one fan posted, adding laughing emojis. Others praised the front office for stepping up when it mattered most.

No Official Statement From Either Team
At the time of publication, neither the Lions nor the Vikings have issued formal comments regarding the situation. Josh Oliver himself has also remained silent, with no public social media activity since the story broke.

NFL insiders expect one or both teams to address the situation in upcoming press conferences, especially as rumors continue to swirl around what Detroit’s next move will be in the tight end market.

A Reminder of How Quickly NFL Deals Can Shift
This latest twist in the Josh Oliver saga is a textbook example of how unpredictable NFL negotiations can be. Even deals that are “almost done” can fall apart in a matter of hours—especially when emotions, loyalty, and late-night calls from influential voices are involved.

Conclusion: Vikings Hold Onto a Key Role Player
Though not a household name, Josh Oliver is a vital component in the Vikings’ offense—particularly in blocking-heavy sets. The fact that Minnesota fought to keep him speaks volumes about his value within the system. And for Detroit, the hunt for tight end depth continues.

Whether this 2am phone call becomes part of league lore or simply another behind-the-scenes wrinkle in free agency, one thing is certain: Josh Oliver is staying in Minnesota—at least for now.