Dynamic safety extension a massive win for Vikings

While the Vikings list him as a safety on his profile, Metellus is so much more.

Per NFL Pro data, he lined up everywhere on the defensive side of the ball last season, but predominantly at linebacker (43.5 percent) and slot corner (28.5 percent). Metellus also took snaps on the defensive line (edge and tackle), outside cornerback and both safety positions (free and strong).

He provides enormous value at his cost. Per Spotrac, his $12M average annual value (AAV) puts him in the same class as Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit and Arizona Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson.

Metellus entered training camp on the final year of a two-year, $8 million rookie extension he signed in 2023.

In 2024, he appeared in 17 games with 10 starts, ending the season with 103 tackles, five passes defended, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

Metellus, 27, figures to play a key role in what could be one of the NFL's top defenses this season, and his extension will keep in Minnesota through his prime.

The Vikings had the fifth-ranked scoring defense (19.5 points per game) and led the league in interceptions (24) a season ago.

During free agency, the front office bolstered the defensive line by adding veteran tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave.

The Vikings begin the preseason on Saturday, Aug. 9 at home against the Houston Texans. They open the 2025 regular season at the division-rival Chicago Bears on "Monday Night Football."