Josh Metellus recently secured a three-year, $36 million contract extension with the Minnesota Vikings, and he is already looking forward to a key matchup in the 2025 regular season. The offseason saw intense speculation linking quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the Vikings, but Metellus expressed relief that the team chose not to sign the future Hall of Famer. Metellus shared his thoughts on the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Spotlight podcast with Ari Meirov earlier this week.
Metellus Reflects on Past Matchups with Aaron Rodgers
Metellus revealed that Rodgers was his favorite quarterback growing up, along with running back Adrian Peterson, who both represented the NFC North. He recalled a moment from his rookie year in 2020 when Rodgers threw a touchdown pass to Davante Adams while Metellus was in coverage. That play remains vivid in his memory and shapes his current mindset heading into future games.
A-Rod was my favorite quarterback growing up. I only watched the NFC North for two players: A-Rod and Adrian Peterson,
Metellus said.
Until my first season, we’re playing Green Bay, he throws a touchdown — my first touchdown Aaron Rodgers threw against me. I am so happy we didn’t bring him on the team, cause I want to pick him off before he retires.
Metellus also expressed a personal motivation to challenge Rodgers on the field once again, signaling the competitive nature fueling the rivalry.
I can’t be going out letting my favorite player of all time growing up do me like that,
he continued.
I gotta get him back. I am so happy we didn’t bring him in.
Upcoming Showdown and Vikings’ Quarterback Strategy
The Vikings will face Aaron Rodgers and his current team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on September 28 in Dublin, Ireland, making this a highly anticipated encounter. While Rodgers has an impressive legacy, including 116 career interceptions, Metellus hopes to add another to that total in their upcoming game.
After offseason rumors involving Sam Darnold, Rodgers, and others, Minnesota maintained confidence in J.J. McCarthy as their starting quarterback for the upcoming season. To build depth behind McCarthy, the Vikings acquired Sam Howell through a trade and signed Max Brosmer, a former Minnesota Gophers quarterback, as an undrafted free agent.
This approach reflects Minnesota’s focus on developing talent internally and maintaining a solid roster without pursuing high-profile free agents like Rodgers.
Significance of Metellus’s Contract Extension and Team Decisions
The three-year contract extension underscores the Vikings’ commitment to Metellus as a core defensive player, while their quarterback decisions suggest a long-term plan centered on emerging talent rather than veteran acquisitions. Metellus’s enthusiasm about competing against Rodgers highlights the personal and professional stakes for players on the field.
As the season approaches, the Vikings’ roster moves and upcoming matchups, including the international game in Ireland, will test the effectiveness of their strategy and resilience in a competitive NFC North division.