Vikings Safety Gets a New Contract Extension Ahead of Week 1
Vikings fans have been hoping to see an extension for star wide receiver Justin Jefferson prior to the start of Week 1.
While that negotiation remains tabled for now, the Vikings were able to get a new deal for safety Josh Metellus, who agreed to a two-year extension worth $13 million.
The deal was reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, who tweeted, “The Vikings and safety Josh Metellus reached agreement on a two-year extension worth up to $13 million, including $6 million guaranteed, per source. The deal was confirmed by agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha.”
Vikings Safety Josh Metellus Gets New Contract Extension
Metellus was selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, so his contract was set to end following the 2023 season if a new deal did not get worked out.
The safety has spent the majority of his career as a special teams ace, but in 2022, he finally got extensive snaps on the defense. Harrison Smith missed three games throughout the year, allowing Metellus to step into the starting lineup.
During the 2022 season, Metellus totaled 258 defensive snaps and recorded 42 tackles, a tackle for loss, 5 passes defended, and an interception.
In Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, Metellus should be a big part of the three-safety sets that will largely feature himself, Harrison Smith, and Cam Bynum, while likely sprinkling in Lewis Cine, Jay Ward, and Theo Jackson at times.
Metellus has proven to be a “do-it-all” defensive back that should be a key component to Minnesota’s success this season. This is a solid deal for a very talented player, who could be on the path towards a big breakout in 2023.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.