The Vikings’ Problem Grows Worse as Training Camp Nears
Josh Metellus still hasn’t signed his extension. That’s an issue, especially since July is quickly marching toward its end.
The Vikings’ problem will grow worse once training camp arrives (Saturday, July 26th). At that time, the Metellus issue will be hard to evade. Lots of press conferences are going to take place, leading to no shortage of opportunities for curious media members to wade into the Metellus waters. Does the GM undercut that upcoming distraction by sending along a deal that the safety will sign?
The Vikings’ Problem
Josh Metellus & The Unsigned Extension
The good news: Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has solved similar riddles previously.
Danielle Hunter found himself at a contract crossroads prior to departing Minnesota, leading the GM to find some solutions. So, too, did T.J. Hockenson have some contract chatter swirling around him before an extension got done. Finally, one thinks of Justin Jefferson — genuinely one of the NFL’s best players — taking a long time to get his deal done.
Yes, there may have been some impatience and nervousness among fans, but Adofo-Mensah got things sorted out.
The good news is that the Vikings’ cap space for 2025 isn’t in short supply (contrary to the outlook for 2026).
Josh Metellus, currently carrying a $6,541,667 cap charge, could get a raise in 2025 with quite a bit of ease. The team has more than $23.5 million in open room, so a bump in pay wouldn’t be particularly difficult. Do note, though, that an extension could actually create rather than diminish cap space in 2025. Indeed, an extension has the potential to open close to $3.5 million in added room.
The difficulty that would arise is that next year’s cap debt would worsen. Adofo-Mensah has all kinds of solutions to figure out the issue, but it’s an issue nevertheless.
One does wonder about what an appropriate number for Metellus would be. Camryn Bynum became a Colt in the offseason after putting pen to paper for a four-year agreement that’s promising to pay him $60 million. Very little chance, folks, that Mr. Metellus sees a number so high with the Vikings.
At least a few factors were working in Bynum’s favor. First, he’s a bit younger. Second, he went to the open market, creating the possibility of a bidding war. Third, he plays free safety more often, allowing him to be more of a threat to intercept passes.
Josh Metellus is often a linebacker/slot corner, a hybrid defender who gets safety attached to his name (genuinely, he gets moved all over the place). He is an excellent example of what it means to be a Brian Flores defender insofar as he’s someone who is intelligent and versatile, rugged and selfless. He’s at his best when he’s allowed to come forward, performing like a strong run defender more often than as someone who is excellent in pass coverage. What should the Vikings pay for that skill set?
No doubt, more than what they currently are given that Josh Metellus is on the final season of his two-year extension for just $8 million. He signed that deal before breaking out on defense. He’s now solidified himself as a great player, someone who is part of the solution in Minnesota.
Close to twenty NFL safeties average at least $10 million per season (a crew that includes Harrison Smith, an all-time great). Mr. Metellus, at the very least, should be within that range, jumping into the double digits for millions-per-year. Seeing him surpass Bynum, though, does seem unlikely.
Metellus, 27, is a team captain who is leaned on to thrive on specials and defense. Seeing him hold-in like he did during the summer would be a distraction the team would rather avoid.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
This Vikings Defender Has Something to Prove in 2025
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