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Kevin Seifert
EAGAN, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings wrapped up maybe their last piece of offseason enterprise Saturday, signing security Josh Metellus to a three-year contract extension that ensures he’ll spend the majority of his profession with the workforce that made him a sixth-round draft alternative in 2020.
The deal is value $36 million with a most worth of $42 million, in line with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and contains $25 million in ensures. Metellus’ current contract was set to void after this season.
“I am right here, child,” Metellus stated to kick off a information convention previous to the Vikings’ coaching camp follow. “I am right here.”
Metellus was primarily a particular groups participant throughout his first three seasons, however he ascended right into a multi-positional function when defensive coordinator Brian Flores joined the Vikings in 2023. Though listed as a security, Metellus performed all around the subject. Throughout some video games, coach Kevin O’Connell recalled Saturday, Metellus has lined up at as many as seven completely different positions. Over that interval, Metellus began 27 video games and performed 90% of the Vikings’ defensive snaps.
“His journey is one thing which means loads to him,” O’Connell stated. “You have acquired first-round picks that ultimately get their large extensions, however some guys do not get to come back into this league with that sort of path they usually’ve acquired to earn it from the place they’re chosen, and earn it from what their roles are early on of their time, after which ultimately while you get to a spot the place you have developed this type of worth for our workforce, I feel it is actually superior.”
Former Vikings security Cam Bynum turned down the workforce’s overtures for a preseason extension final summer time and as an alternative signed a four-year, $60 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts this spring. Metellus stated he may by no means envision himself leaving, and whereas he sat out some drills throughout OTAs and mini-camp, he declined to strain the Vikings additional this summer time.
Metellus participated in all the Vikings’ opening follow of coaching camp, saying afterwards that he thought it was his duty as a workforce chief. An ankle harm pressured him out of form Thursday and Friday, however O’Connell stated “we had been being trustworthy” concerning the prognosis and that Metellus’ absence was not associated to negotiations.
Talking Saturday, Metellus stated there was no a part of him that needed to see if he may get a greater deal subsequent spring on the open market.
“I needed to be right here,” he stated. “I adore it right here. That is dwelling. I need to end my profession right here. I really feel like I embody precisely what we wish construct right here and I need to win stay for the town. I perceive the town is due for one thing large, so I am simply pouring every little thing I’ve into this.”
The Vikings have now dedicated almost $350 million in money to their 2025 roster, capitalizing on the rookie contract of quarterback J.J. McCarthy to accumulate a dozen veterans both by way of free company or commerce. In addition they re-signed working again Aaron Jones, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr., security Harrison Smith and prolonged the present contract of linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.