The Vikings have another deal in place. After reaching an agreement with Danielle Hunter to start training camp and then bringing T.J. Hockenson back into the fold with a big-ticket contract, Minnesota will keep one of its top special-teamers around beyond 2023.
Josh Metellus agreed to terms on a two-year extension worth up to $13M, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports. The contract will guarantee the fourth-year safety $6M. A 2020 sixth-round pick, Metellus was going into a contract year.
This offseason involved Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah shedding a few contracts. Rick Spielman-era investments Eric Kendricks, Adam Thielen and Dalvin Cook are out of the picture, while one of Adofo-Mensah’s early pickups — Za’Darius Smith — became a one-and-done. The Vikings also moved on from cornerbacks Patrick Peterson, Cameron Dantzler and Chandon Sullivan. They will field a much younger secondary this season, and Metellus is expected to play a bigger role.
The three starts Metellus made last year marked his first as a pro, but ESPN’s Kevin Seifert notes DC Brian Flores is expected to use Metellus alongside starters Harrison Smith and Lewis Cinein three-safety looks. Metellus received an opportunity in the slot this summer, though UFA addition Byron Murphy is on track to reprise his Cardinals role by moving inside in sub packages.
Metellus’ 929 special teams snaps are the third-most among Vikings since 2020. He was on the field for 258 defensive plays last season, marking a substantial increase from his first two years. The Michigan product made 42 tackles and deflected five passes.
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