The Minnesota Vikings found an absolute steal in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, selecting Josh Metellus 205th overall. Since then, he has developed into a do-everything defender, lining up at safety, in the slot, at cornerback, at linebacker, and even as a defensive lineman throughout his first five years in the NFL. Metellus lined up everywhere in 2024, with 408 snaps at linebacker, 267 in the slot, 118 at safety, 69 at defensive tackle, 59 at EDGE, and 17 at cornerback, per Next Gen Stats.
It would be logical for the Minnesota to lock him up to a long-term extension this offseason.
Minnesota Vikings’ defender enters the final year of his contract
Josh Metellus is actively seeking a long-term contract extension as he enters the final year of his deal. He is scheduled to earn a $3.675 million base salary and a $6.541 million cap hit in 2025, per Over The Cap. Metellus conducted a hold-in during spring practices but decided to report to training camp and has since participated in the first week of practice rather than holding out.
The Minnesota Vikings have massive news for do-everything defender
According to Adam Schefter, the Vikings and Josh Metellus have agreed to a team-friendly contract extension. As Schefter points out, the deal is for three years and is worth $36 million with a maximum value of $42 million and $25 million guaranteed. Metellus is now tied for being the 12th-highest-paid safety in the NFL (h/t OTC).
Safety Josh Metellus and the Vikings reached agreement today on a three-year, $36 million contract extension with a max value of $42 million that includes $25 million guaranteed, per agent Drew Rosenhaus. pic.twitter.com/AWExTq3axq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 26, 2025
Fans react to the news
Steal
— Thor Nystrom (@thorku) July 26, 2025
YESSIR @NoExcuses_23
— Zac – Immortal (@WhosImmortal) July 26, 2025
I’ll leave this here for the non – ball knowers pic.twitter.com/buzYCSTo6z
— Rylan Skye (@RylanSkye) July 26, 2025
Most valuable Vikings defender fight me
— BW 🌊 (@BWarneThoughts) July 26, 2025
AHHHHHHHH. SWISS ARMY KNIFE BACKK
— Clip & SKOL Nation (@kawhi_muse) July 26, 2025
isn’t this the guy who played every defensive position in 2023
— j 🦅 (@JoelBleedsGreen) July 26, 2025
Deserved imo
— KILLA¬¬ (@Killa11211) July 26, 2025
