The Minnesota Vikings are keeping their defensive captain around. Coming off consecutive 100-tackle seasons, the Vikings gave safety Josh Metellus a multi-year extension ahead of the 2025 season.
Minnesota inked Metellus to a three-year, $36 million deal on Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. The deal keeps the versatile safety in Minneapolis through the 2028 season.
Since taking over as a starter in 2023, Metellus’ career has skyrocketed. The Michigan alum broke out with 116 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five pass breakups and four forced fumbles in 17 starts in 2023. He backed up his production with another strong year in 2024, recording 103 tackles, five pass breakups and a career-high two interceptions.
Although he started just 10 of his 17 games in 2024, Metellus still played 87 percent of the Vikings’ defensive snaps. He continues to be listed as a safety, but lines up everywhere from deep in the secondary to right next to the line of scrimmage.
TELL US‼️
The #Vikings have agreed to terms on a contract extension with @NoExcuses_23. pic.twitter.com/jQePDwrhYc
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) July 26, 2025
With veteran teammate Harrison Smith re-signing in free agency, Metellus expects to lead Minnesota’s secondary to another big season. The Vikings lost starting cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Shaquill Griffin, but still return three key members of their secondary that led the league with 24 interceptions in 2024.
