During the last two seasons under Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Josh Metellus has developed into one of the most versatile safeties in the entire NFL. Metellus has displayed the ability to play centerfield like a safety, cover like a cornerback, stuff the run like a linebacker, and get after the quarterback like a pass rusher.
Unfortunately, his current contract runs out in 2026.
Metellus hasn't expressed a desire to play elsewhere, but his lack of participation in Vikings OTAs earlier this year indicates that he would like a new deal before risking injury out on the practice field.
On Tuesday, Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah were asked if they expected Metellus to participate in the team's training camp that begins on Wednesday.
O'Connell offered his answer first.
"We have all players here and accounted for, and I know Josh [Metellus] has been very
much looking forward to training camp, getting going. I think he's one of our captains, one of our
leaders, and even throughout the spring, was integral in kind of how [Brian Flores] and the
defensive group are looking at 2025."
Adofo-Mensah then chimed in with his update on the veteran safety.
"From what we understand. We have a great dialogue with his agent. We'll continue to have
that, and we'll navigate from there."
Minnesota Vikings don't provide many answers to latest questions about Josh Metellus
To be fair to O'Connell and Adofo-Mensah, there's not too much they can comment on when it comes to a player who is attempting to land a new contract. Technically, they could share more details, but remaining neutral with their answers helps them prevent the contract negotiations from getting ugly.
O'Connell knows how important Metellus is for Minnesota's defense, and he mentioned that in his answer on Tuesday. But he also knows the Vikings are attempting to build a team that is a consistent contender, and paying everyone who wants an extension isn't going to accomplish that.
In the end, Minnesota and Metellus will probably figure out a way to agree to a new deal. But it's still not a guarantee, as the Vikings have proved in the recent past that they aren't afraid to walk away from the negotiating table (see Camryn Bynum and Kirk Cousins).