Josh Metellus and the Minnesota Vikings agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract extension on Saturday, securing the safety’s place with the team through the 2028 season. Entering what would have been the final year of his previous deal, Metellus expressed confidence in focusing fully on his performance rather than contract negotiations, aiming for the best season of his career.
Despite the uncertainty of becoming a free agent in 2026, Metellus remained unbothered by off-field distractions.
“You leave that to the front office and agents,”
Metellus said.
“That’s their job to compare numbers and stuff. My job is just to go out there and play. If that has to be the case, I’ve been betting on myself since I got into this league so I’m not worried about going out here and having the best year of my life.”
Veteran Presence Shapes Young Players’ Development
Meanwhile, Detroit Lions offensive tackle Giovanni Manu is navigating the early stages of his professional career after being drafted in 2024. Lions head coach Dan Campbell described Manu’s progress as a mixture of forward strides and setbacks, emphasizing a learning curve typical for young linemen in the NFL.
Campbell noted,
“He’ll take two steps up and then one step back, and so that’s kind of where he’s at.”
Campbell added that Manu is aware of the challenges and receptive to guidance from coaches and veterans alike.
“As long as he keeps pushing, he’ll be fine. That’s what he’s got to do is learn from it, listen to what Hank’s (Fraley) telling him and Steve (Oliver) and those veterans and work on it, improve and just get better every day.”
Manu himself finds inspiration in veteran offensive tackle Taylor Decker, who has mentored him throughout the offseason.
“I got to learn so much from him,”
Manu said.
“We even talked about non-football stuff. He wanted me there to workout with him and he’s a great guy. He’s a role model to me. There’s so much I’ve learned from him. Just the way I carry myself, too. Hopefully one day I get to fill his shoes.”
Taylor Decker Highlights Manu’s Growing Confidence and Adaptation
Decker emphasized the significance of Manu’s confidence-building as he adjusts to the heightened competition level after moving from Canadian college football to the NFL.
“I think he’s starting to gain confidence in himself,”
Decker said.
“He’s obviously physically gifted. Like, incredibly physically gifted. It’s been a step up obviously coming from college. Not only if you come from college in the United States to the NFL, but from Canada. I think a step up in the competition and having to learn the playbook against really good competition just took a little bit.”
Decker pointed out that practice reps are critical for Manu’s advancement and welcomed more opportunities to showcase his skills in preseason games.
“Now he’s starting to gain some confidence. He just needs reps and he’s going to get a lot of reps. I think he’s going to continue to improve and I’m excited to see him get more opportunities in the preseason to be able to be in a game scenario and do it because that’s another step after practice.”
Caleb Williams Reflects on His Sack Totals and Game Approach
For the Chicago Bears, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams openly accepted responsibility for his high sack numbers last season, choosing not to fault the offensive line or protection schemes. According to Williams, his footwork and decision-making were significant factors in his challenges when under pressure.
“Part of it is my footwork and that lining up with the play,”
Williams said.
“That helps accelerate the clock for me. The other part is being decisive, making a decision. The other part is also taking what the defense gives me. Not trying to find that big play every time and be the young cat wanting to go get that big play, big scramble play. Sometimes it’s just the check down of the ball, the flat, the second read that may not be something more than five yards.”
Young Players Focus on Growth and Preparation for Upcoming Seasons
The narratives of Metellus, Manu, and Williams all highlight the intense dedication and focus required for young NFL players as they seek to establish themselves in competitive environments. From Metellus’ confident contract extension with the Vikings to Manu’s steady improvement under seasoned mentorship, these athletes are embracing their roles and preparing for pivotal years ahead.
For the Minnesota Vikings, locking up Metellus represents an investment in defensive stability, while Detroit’s ongoing development of Manu could bolster their offensive line depth. Caleb Williams’ candid approach to his rookie struggles signals a readiness to mature under pressure for the Chicago Bears.
As preseason games approach and training camps progress, these players’ growth trajectories will be crucial for their teams‘ success. Success on the field relies heavily on such perseverance, learning from veterans, and adapting to the fast-paced demands of the NFL.