The Sweet Aspect of the Vikings’ Roster
The Minnesota Vikings have added numerous players to the 90-man roster. They did the same a year ago, but many of those newcomers signed one-year deals like Sam Darnold, Shaq Griffin, Stephon Gilmore, and Aaron Jones. This time, however, all the additions are here to stay.
The Sweet Aspect of the Vikings’ Roster
Javon Hargrave, Isaiah Rodgers, and Ryan Kelly signed two-year deals. Andrew Van Ginkel’s contract was extended through 2026, and Aaron Jones was re-signed through 2026 as well. Will Fries was hired for five years, while Jonathan Allen received a three-year contract. Josh Oliver just accepted an extension, and so did Theo Jackson earlier in the offseason. Byron Murphy was employed for the long run, too.
Do you see the pattern? Players with one year left on their deals were extended, and the newcomers signed for at least two seasons. The Vikings want to have more or less the same roster for the next two seasons.
Harrison Smith aside, who is on a year-to-year deal anyway, there are only three other significant contributors the franchise is in danger of losing next March, and two of them are no-brainers.
Joshua Metellus
Brian Flores’ Swiss Army Knife, Josh Metellus, signed a three-year contract extension ahead of the 2023 season and will expire next year. The defender has undoubtedly outplayed his salary and is an easy extension candidate. When the Vikings handed Van Ginkel his extra year, there were reports about Metellus getting the next contract extension.
He has not agreed to a new deal yet, but it’s only a matter of time. Metellus has grown into a fantastic defender, is one of the team’s locker room leaders, and just feels like a long-term Viking.
Jalen Nailor
This one’s a little trickier. Jalen Nailor is about to play the final season of his rookie contract and surely wants a raise next offseason. His 2024 campaign with six touchdowns showed that he can be a WR3, and wideouts get paid in today’s NFL.
The Vikings have drafted Tai Felton and might not be willing to raise his salary, but it’s not the hardest task to replace a WR3 who can catch a couple of passes a game. His looming departure isn’t a reason for concern unless he explodes in the upcoming season.
Ivan Pace Jr.
Back to the defensive side, linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is also in his final year. Like all undrafted rookies, he signed for three seasons and is actually eligible for an extension. Next offseason, the Vikings have the advantage that he is a restricted free agent, and given his impact, there’s no way the organization will let him walk.
Bottom Line
The Vikings are likely out of cap space when free agency opens in nine months, but outside of those three players and potentially Harrison Smith and C.J. Ham, there’s nothing to replace.
The roster was built to last not only for 2025, but for 2026 as well.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.
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