 lines up on defense during the NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The Vikings safety played a key role in Minnesota’s playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Josh-Metellus.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=583,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Josh-Metellus.jpg”><figcaption><span>Joshua Metellus (44) lines up on defense during the NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. The Vikings safety played a key role in Minnesota’s playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.</span></figcaption></figure><div class='code-block code-block-3' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>
<script type=)
atOptions = {
'key' : 'a07b2d8c9a7181f1d33446e01c1f4fd0',
'format' : 'iframe',
'height' : 60,
'width' : 468,
'params' : {}
};
The Minnesota Vikings rarely have contractual matters become front and center during the summer, but to an extent this go-round, safety Josh Metellus is an exception.
Vikings safety Josh Metellus mentioned his contract situation head-on this week. Here’s what he said, and what it means for his summer prognosis at training camp and so forth.
Metellus, already playing on a team-friendly deal, is scheduled to hit free agency in less than eight months, and now is the time for Minnesota to lock in his extension.
It’s just that a new contract hasn’t materialized yet. And thanks to Metellus personally, there’s an update.
The Vikings’ Contract Situation with Josh Metellus Takes Center Stage
Metellus is rather team-friendly about his desire to remain in Minnesota.
 reacts with linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (54) after a fourth down stop against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Josh-Metellus-1.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=570,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Josh-Metellus-1.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Josh-Metellus-1.jpg” alt=”Josh Metellus celebrates fourth-down stop vs. Bears with teammate”><figcaption>Josh Metellus (44) celebrates with Kamu Grugier-Hill (54) after a critical fourth-down stop during the first quarter on Dec. 16, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings’ defense made a statement early in their divisional clash with the Bears. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<h3>Josh Metellus Addresses Contract Fodder Head On</h3>
<p>There’s been some mystery about Metellus’ contract, chiefly because the veteran safety “held in” at spring activities. That is — he showed up but didn’t physically participate much. </p>
<p>Still, Metellus showed up this week for the start of training camp, offering an encouraging update that should reduce all drama. </p>
<p>“I’m not too worried about what’s going on on that side. I’m just doing my part, being here for the team, trying to be a leader, a captain, and I can’t do that on the sideline. A big part of it is the guy I am in this building is a guy who’s out in front leading the way, so it makes no sense for me not to do it,” <a href=)
Metellus told reporters.
That sounds like a man — a team captain — who knows his agent will seal the deal on an extension before too long.
An Inevitable Outcome?
Metellus is a homegrown Viking. Former general manager Rick Spielman found Metellus in the 2020 NFL Draft, and after a year or two of finding his footing as a late-round selection, he began to bust into local stardom around 2022.
Fast forward to last season, and Metellus’ versatility is vital inside Brian Flores’ aggressive defense. The Vikings call him an “all-arounder,” and folks refer to him as a “Swiss army knife.”
Minnesota’s leadership has not hinted that Metellus’ contract ordeal will morph into a cliffhanger. It’s a bit of a no-brainer that a deal will get done.
Metellus a Necessity in 2025
And Minnesota needs Metellus.
Metellus’ teammate, friend, and celebration cohort, Camryn Bynum, left in free agency for the Indianapolis Colts in March, so Flores’ defense is already down one safety.
 makes an interception during the fourth quarter as safety Josh Metellus (44) and cornerback Akayleb Evans (21) looks on against the San Francisco 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</p>
<p>” data-medium-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/USATSI_21720459.jpg” data-large-file=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=1180,height=787,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/USATSI_21720459.jpg” src=”https://vikingsterritory.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=666,height=444,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/USATSI_21720459.jpg” alt=”Camryn Bynum intercepts pass with Metellus and Evans nearby”><figcaption>Camryn Bynum (24) hauls in a fourth-quarter interception as Josh Metellus (44) and Akayleb Evans (21) look on during a Monday night game on Oct. 23, 2023. The Vikings sealed a primetime win over the 49ers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports.<span></span></figcaption></figure>
</div>
<p>Metellus is also 27 years old, smack dab in the middle of his physical prime. Now is not the time to let Metellus walk. That’s a decision for three or four years from now when safeties — not named Harrison Smith — begin to decline.</p>
<p>The Vikings very much need Metellus this season and beyond. </p>
<h3>How Much for the New Deal?</h3>
<p>All contract extension theories are interpretive, but it’s a safe bet that Metellus will earn at least $10 million per his next contract. </p>
<p>General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah locked Metellus in on an affordable deal a couple of offseasons ago — two years and $8 million — and he’ll smash that paycheck before too long. It’s a reasonable assumption that Metellus will earn $10 to $12 million after his current contract expires at the end of this season.</p>
<div>
<figure><img loading=)
Kerby Joseph of the Detroit Lions — $21.25 million per year.
ESPN on Metellus
ESPN’s Kevin Seifert added more context about Metellus on Wednesday, “It’s one thing to sit out part of spring practices. It’s quite another, Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus said Wednesday, to miss even a portion of training camp.”
“Metellus, one of the team’s key defensive players over the past two seasons, decided he would not extend his spring hold-in into the start of summer work. Despite not having an agreement on the contract extension he has been seeking, Metellus was a full participant in the Vikings’ first training camp practice on Wednesday.”
For the most part, the Vikings, under this leadership regime, rarely let contract matters become a distraction. Metellus is unlikely to become a notable example.
Read More