4 role players the Vikings should consider extending
By Adam Carlson
Josh Metellus, safety
Getting a new contract for Josh Metellus might be a little bit premature, but it’s never too early to look at depth and competition on a roster. With Harrison Smith and Xavier Woods both becoming free agents after the 2021 season, it might be time to start thinking about the safety position a little more.
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Camryn Bynum in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but even with his addition to the roster, it is likely that Metellus will slide onto the team’s 53-man roster without much trouble.
Metellus only played 16 defensive snaps during the 2020 NFL season but looks to be the team’s fourth safety. His real value is special teams, where he led all Vikings with 262 snaps in that phase of the game.
Despite limited time and routine plays, the safety was able to make the most of his time on the field by recording nine tackles (eight solo) and recovering two fumbles in 15 games played for the purple and gold.
Don’t expect the Minnesota Vikings to rush to an extension for Josh Metellus any time soon, but the team should keep him in the back of their mind if they find themselves with some spare money following the season…just to make sure they can keep the special teams floor somewhat high and keep some continuity between seasons.