The Minnesota Vikings agreed to a three-year contract worth at least $36 million, and up to $42 million, with versatile veteran utility player Josh Metellus, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on X on July 26, and the sixth-year pro is happy the situation is behind him.
Metellus is a safety by trade, but he is a chess piece in Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme.
“God is great [praying hands emoji],” Metellus posted on X on July 26.
The Vikings let Camryn Bynum sign with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency. Moreover, franchise stalwart Harrison Smith is nearing retirement, making Metellus’ future a tremendous source of intrigue.
Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz called Metellus “one of the NFL’s more versatile defensive players.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport called Metellus a “standout,” and now, he is part of the Vikings’ longer-term future.
Vikings Sign Do-‘Everthing’ Josh Metellus to Contract Extension
GettyJosh Metellus #44 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Athletic’s Alec Lewis noted Metellus’ role as a “S/LB/DL/everything.” Metellus, though, said he is not concerned with such labels.
Metellus has been sidelined with an ankle injury in training camp, and head coach Kevin O’Connell stood by the designation, which was questioned amid Metellus’ lingering contract situation. He was entering the final year of a two-year, $8 million pact.
Metellus said that he could not see himself playing elsewhere.
O’Connell raved about all that Metellus brings to the table for the Vikings.
Metellus, 27, logged over 100 tackles for the second straight season in 2024, adding 5 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble.
The No. 205 overall pick of the 2020 draft has started 27 games over the past two seasons. He also logged the fourth-most defensive snaps on the Vikings after ranking third the year before, per Pro Football Focus.
Flores could also land a head coaching job in 2026 after being a candidate this past cycle.
Having as much continuity as possible could be paramount for a smooth transition to the next DC if Flores is successful.
Vikings’ Secondary Taking Shape
GettyByron Murphy Jr. #7 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against the Chicago Bears.
Locking Metellus in gives the Vikings another cornerstone on the back end of their defense, along with cornerback Byron Murphy, who signed a three-year, $54 million extension this offseason.
Smith is back for this season, solidifying one of the other safety spots for this season, and Jay Ward, who figures to assume much, if not all, of Bynum’s role.
Free agent pickups Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah have emerged at corner alongside Murphy.
The Vikings are replacing Bynum at safety and Shaquill Griffin and Stephon Gilmore at corner on a defense that ranked 28th against the pass but was fifth in scoring and led the NFL in interceptions.
Notably, the two players who are locked in were not drafted by the current front office regime, which underscores that shortcoming and that it was imperative for the Vikings to keep Metellus.
The Vikings have a host of players they are encouraged about.
They have far fewer among that group that are as battle-tested. Moreover, none of them have produced in the wide variety of ways that Metellus has. Keeping him in the fold is good on the field and can energize the locker room.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Versatile Playmaker Sends 3-Word Message After $36 Million Vikings Deal appeared first on Heavy Sports.