Josh Metellus Emerging as Top Extension Target for Vikings After Standout Seasons
After an offseason filled with major roster moves—including big spending in the trenches, losing a Pro Bowl quarterback, and restocking through the draft—the Minnesota Vikings may now turn their attention to rewarding one of their most reliable veterans: safety Josh Metellus.
A sixth-round pick in 2020, Metellus has become a core piece of the defense, starting 27 games over the past two seasons and playing all 17 games in 2023. He’s missed just two games in his entire career and none since 2021.
According to The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis, Metellus checks all the boxes for an extension: he’s only 27, his contract voids after 2025, he’s a respected locker-room leader, and—importantly—he wants to stay in Minnesota. Lewis projects a possible new deal in the range of $20 million over three years, fully guaranteed.
Metellus’ previous contract—a two-year, $8 million deal with $5.1 million guaranteed—was seen as a risk by the team and a security bet by the player. Now, with 219 tackles, 5 forced fumbles, 3 picks, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery over the past two seasons, that investment is clearly paying off.
Described as a defensive “chess piece” by coordinator Brian Flores, Metellus’ versatility has drawn comparisons to elite safeties like Derwin James—though he hasn’t yet reached Pro Bowl status. Still, with recent safety contracts like Camryn Bynum’s $60M deal and Kerby Joseph’s $85M extension setting the market, Metellus may be next in line for a significant payday.
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