Josh Metellus is a huge talking point as the Minnesota Vikings kick off their training camp on Wednesday. The team captain is entering the final year of his contract and hasn't been offered an extension.
The Vikings drafted Metellus at No. 205 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. They handed him a two-year, $8 million extension ahead of the 2023 season. The 27-year-old flipped the script after inking the deal.
Metellus had only three starts to his name in his first three seasons in Minnesota. But in the last two seasons, since Brian Flores' arrival, the former sixth-round pick has made 27 starts, logging over 1000 snaps.
The Vikings' safety's participation in the voluntary OTAs last month led to some speculation. He then sat out 7-on-7s during mandatory minicamps. Many believe that Metellus is seeking a big bag from the Vikings.
Vikings' head coach Kevin O'Connell and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah addressed the media ahead of the training camp. The reporters asked them about Metellus' involvement in the camp.
"I know Josh has been very much looking forward to training camp getting going," O'Connell said. "He's one of our captains, one of our leaders, and even throughout the spring was integral in kind of how Flores and the defensive group are looking for 2025."
The duo was again asked if Metellus would participate in everything, and this time, the GM Adofo-Mensah responded.
"We have great dialogue with his agent. We'll continue to have that, and we'll navigate from there," he said.
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Metellus has been a great asset for the Vikings for the past couple of years. His versatility adds to his value. Although he values himself as a safety, he can play over 10 positions as both a pass rusher and a cover man.
Minnesota would not like to lose a key member of the squad in free agency and might try to close a deal as soon as possible if it's causing trouble. Metellus believes that his performance speaks for itself, and the two parties will find a middle ground soon.
