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Star Vikings defender makes bold statement with questions lingering about his future with important message

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Tyler Forness | Last updated Jul 23, 2025 9:45 PM ET

Over the past few months, the Minnesota Vikings have done a great job in getting their players extended for the long term. Edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and tight end Josh Oliver got their extensions over the offseason, with wide receiver Justin Jefferson and left tackle Christian Darrisaw getting theirs last year.

The next player who is in line for an extension is safety Josh Metellus. After appearing to hold in during mandatory minicamp, there were questions about whether that would potentially continue into training camp.

Josh Metellus full participant in practice

As of the first practice, we know that Metellus won't be holding in, as he was a full participant in practice. Reason being? He's a captain.

Josh Metellus participated fully in Vikings camp today as a first-team safety. No contract agreement at this point. But he said he's "not too worried" about the talks and said that, as a captain, he needs to be on the field. More to come.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) July 23, 2025

"The dialogue's been going good," Metellus told ESPN's Kevin Seifert, "so I am not too worried about what's going on. I'm just doing my part, being here for the team, trying to be a leader, a captain, and I can't do that on the sideline. A big part is that the guy I am in this building is the guy who's out in front leading the way, so it makes no sense for me not to [participate]."

It's something that hasn't been discussed when talking about Metellus. Him being a captain is a pretty good reason to not hold in, especially with training camp being so important for the development of the team.

Brian Flores' defense changes each season, and Metellus has been a major factor in helping getting things ready.

"I know Josh has been very much looking forward to training camp, getting going," said head coach Kevin 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."

The Vikings would like to get him extended, but when that happens is still up in the air. Until then, Metellus isn't worried about it.

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

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