Tight end Josh Oliver, one of the Ravens’ most improved players in 2022, agreed Monday to a three-year, $21 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, a source with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed to The Baltimore Sun.

The Ravens traded for Oliver before the 2021 season, hoping he might unlock the potential that had made him a third-round pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019. He played 14 games his first year in Baltimore but took on a greater role in 2022, building on a strong training camp to become one of the best blocking tight ends in the NFL.

The deal will not become official until Wednesday afternoon. The loss of Oliver sets the Ravens up to receive a compensatory sixth-round draft pick in 2024 based on a formula that accounts for average salary per year, playing time and awards. Compensatory picks won’t become official until next March.

Former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman said he had never seen a player improve more as a blocker from one season to the next. “He just made us put him on the team, and he continues to make us play him,” Roman said in November.

Oliver, 25, also caught 14 passes on 25 targets for 149 yards and two touchdowns. He played all 17 games, started nine and played 47% of the Ravens’ offensive snaps.

Though the Ravens might have liked to keep Oliver, they could not afford the expense given their lack of salary cap room and depth at tight end, where starter Mark Andrews is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2022 fourth-round picks Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar are expected to take on larger roles in 2023.