The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with safety Josh Metellus, head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed to reporters on Saturday. The deal spans three years and is valued at $36 million, with the total reaching up to $42 million including incentives, according to agent Drew Rosenhaus.
Metellus, 27, is entering his sixth season with the Vikings and was originally scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2025 campaign, based on Spotrac data.
Metellus’ Expanding Role in Minnesota’s Defense
After taking on a bigger responsibility in 2022 during O’Connell’s initial year as head coach, Metellus has become an integral piece of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ unit since Flores arrived in 2023. Over the past two seasons, Metellus has been on the field for 90.5 percent of the Vikings’ defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference.
Throughout the 2024 season, he played in all 17 games, totaling 1,065 defensive snaps. His stats included 112 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hits, demonstrating his versatility and impact.
Versatility Makes Metellus a Defensive Linchpin
O’Connell highlighted Metellus’ adaptability, noting how the safety has lined up in numerous positions within games.
“I think, last year at one point, I counted in one game he lined up in seven different spots,”
O’Connell said.
“I think his role is wildly dynamic.”
The Vikings’ defense under Flores has layered complexity into their scheme, utilizing Metellus in various roles such as an inside linebacker, down safety, big nickel, and man-to-man coverage at every defensive position. O’Connell explained how Metellus can match up against top offensive threats:
“Whether it’s a really good back, we can put him on the Christian McCaffreys of the world, we can put him on dynamic tight ends, bigger slot receivers. That allows our corners to stay matched.”
Recent Practice Participation and Injury Status
During the voluntary offseason activities, Metellus missed 7-on-7 drills due to a contract hold-in, as reported by ESPN’s Kevin Seifert. When training camp opened, he participated fully in Wednesday’s practice but was sidelined Thursday and Friday with a minor ankle injury.
O’Connell indicated that Metellus will miss practice on Saturday but is expected to return to the field on Monday, maintaining his readiness for the upcoming season.
Significance of the Extension for the Vikings’ Future
The new Josh Metellus Vikings contract extension reflects Minnesota’s commitment to sustaining a flexible and strong defensive backfield. Given his growing role and extensive snap count, locking him in for three more years secures a crucial talent for Brian Flores’ scheme. This deal should help the Vikings maintain stability on defense as they prepare for a challenging 2025 season and beyond.