Vikings' extension of Josh Metellus proves what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah values, and he's willing to spend to keep it

We knew an extension was coming for some time, as both sides were actively trying to get a deal done. This deal comes together for the Vikings and Metellus right before they put on the pads, which is good for both sides.

Josh Metellus agrees to contract extension with Vikings

When it came to getting an extension for the Vikings, it was a tough one to parse through. His versatility was a major factor in how long it took to get a deal done. His snap share was all across the board last season, and playing so many different roles on a regular basis can make a huge impact on what you offer a player in a contract.

How do you pay a player who does so many things for you on defense? It can be tough to come to an equitable agreement that both sides agree with, but they were able to get it done.

Let's take a look at where Metellus' extension of $12 million per season ranks from an average annual value perspective across each position he plays.

• Off-ball linebacker: 9th
• Safety: T-13th
• Cornerback: T-24th
• Slot cornerback: 3rd

When you look at each position, none of those feel too absurd when it comes to paying Metellus. In fact, they all feel about right.

There was a chance that Metellus could have hit the open market, but his value to the Vikings is higher than it would be to another team in the NFL. He was crystal clear in that he wanted to be here in a press conference after the extension.

"Like I said, I love it here. This is home. I want to finish my career here. I feel like I embody exactly what we want to build there, and I want to run a ring for the city. I understand the city is due for, due to something big. So I'm just, you know, pouring everything I have into this."

Getting a deal done continues to show that general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah loves to pay the players who have outperformed their contracts. It's a good thing to have, as players across the league notice it and will want to play for an organization like this. 

The second aspect is versatility. It's hard to quantify, and the Vikings found a way to make it happen.

"Since I've been here, such a vital part of our success on and off the field," said head coach Kevin O'Connell. "It's hard to imagine them making them any better as a player in person than Josh can tell us what he means to me, personally. Our friendship, our bond we formed. Absolutely thrilled for Josh, his family and Vikings fans that they get to see him for years to come in in a role that's really become really special to him, and now he's attacked it helped us become what we are defensively."