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Vikings' Josh Metellus Announces Future Plans Amid Contract Issues

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nishant Gupta | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 12:45 PM ET

Josh Metellus raised concerns about his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings after limited participation in the OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The franchise hasn't offered him an extension, and if things stay the same, he will become a free agent at the end of the season.

The star safety put pen to paper for a two-year, $8 million extension in the 2023 offseason. After three underwhelming seasons following his selection as No. 205 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Metellus has risen as one of the most crucial pieces of the defensive line.

The 27-year-old addressed the media at the end of the first day of the 2025 training camp. He revealed his stance on his contract situation and whether he will stay in Minnesota next year.

"I'm about to get my third one, either this year or next year," he said. "I think my situation is a little different. I always tell myself that comparison is a thief of joy. I don't like to put one for one. You leave that to the front office and agents."

"My job is just to go out there and play. If that has to be the case, I’ve been betting on myself since I got into this league, so I’m not worried about going out here and having the best year of my life."

#Vikings defender Josh Metellus:

“I’m not really a guy to compare. I always tell myself comparison is a thief of joy. I don’t like to put one for one.”

: @Vikings mobile app pic.twitter.com/iDHUk6PEyB
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) July 24, 2025

Metellus started just three games during his first three years with the Vikings, but since Brian Flores took over as defensive coordinator, the former sixth-round pick has made 27 starts and played over 1,000 defensive snaps in each of the past two seasons.

Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah are confident about the safety's stay in Minnesota. They said that Metellus would be a full participant in the training camp and that a dialogue between the two parties is ongoing.

Metellus' versatility makes him a tremendous asset for the Vikings, and they would not like to let him go. The Michigan Wolverines product's role has increased in the last couple of years and he is probably seeking a bigger contract.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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