
The Minnesota Vikings aren’t letting Josh Metellus go anywhere. The team agreed to a new deal with the former Michigan standout on Saturday morning, keeping the veteran safety in purple and gold through the 2028 season.
Metellus signed a three-year, $36 million contract with $25 million guaranteed and a max value of $42 million. His previous deal was set to void after this season, putting him on track to hit free agency next offseason — but Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah made sure that didn’t happen.
As a sixth-round pick back in 2020, Metellus has climbed his way up the depth chart year by year. He’s become a key part of Brian Flores’ defense thanks to one thing above all: versatility.
Whether it’s safety, nickel corner, linebacker, or even along the line, Metellus has been trusted to fill the role.
That flexibility is part of what made him so valuable — especially with longtime veteran Harrison Smith potentially nearing retirement. Adofo-Mensah saw the writing on the wall and made the move to keep one of his most adaptable defenders in the building.
Metellus hasn’t just been versatile — he’s been productive. In the past two seasons alone, he’s piled up 219 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and three interceptions, proving he can handle whatever Flores throws his way.
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His instincts and leadership aren’t new, either.
At Michigan, Metellus was a four-year contributor, starting 38 games and earning All-Big Ten honors three times. He totaled 186 tackles and five picks with the Wolverines and earned a reputation for showing up when it mattered most.
Now, entering his prime, Metellus has gone from late-round pick to tone-setter — a do-it-all leader in the middle of Minnesota’s defense.
