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Kevin O'Connell and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah send firm message about popular Vikings defender wanting new contract
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings enter training camp without a lot of issues in regards to contracts. They have already given out extensions to tight end Josh Oliver and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel this offseason, but the one pending free agent who hasn't gotten an extension is safety Josh Metellus.

Going into the 2023 season, the Vikings gave Metellus a two-year deal worth $8 million ahead of him being a starter for the first time. It paid off in droves, as Metellus has played nearly 2,000 snaps across the last two years and is one of the most important Vikings players.

Vikings in contract extension talks with Josh Metellus

Despite going into the season without an extension, Metellus has reported to training camp. 

"I know Josh has been very much looking forward to training camp, getting going," said O'Connell. "He's one of our captains, one of our leaders, and even throughout the spring, was integral and kind of how Flo (Brian Flores), and the defensive group, are looking at 2025."

Getting an extension done seems to be a priority for the Vikings, and it probably should be. He's been a massive asset to Brian Flores' defense. Adofo-Mensah mentioned that they have had "great dialogue" with his agent.

"We have great dialogue with his agent. We'll continue to have that. We'll see. We'll navigate from there," said Adofo-Mensah

The difficult part about a Metellus extension is figuring out how to quantify it. Versatility is a fantastic asset to have when it comes to the on-field play, but putting a dollar amount on what it's worth is difficult.

With Metellus, do you pay him like a true safety? Nickel cornerback? Off ball linebacker? He does all three jobs regularly and does them well. When you sit down on either side of the table, that can be a major sticking point, and a likely reason why a deal hasn't been agreed upon as of yet.

This situation will be worth monitoring moving forward, as Metellus did "hold in" during mandatory minicamp.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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