Vikings, safety Josh Metellus agree to contract extension through 2028

Vikings safety Josh Metellus has his long-awaited contract extension, keeping him in Minnesota through 2028.

Metellus agreed to a three-year extension for $36 million, $25 million of which is guaranteed. The contract has a maximum value of $42 million.

“I feel like I embody exactly what we want to build here,” Metellus said Saturday at training camp at TCO Performance Center in Eagan. “I wanna win a ring for this city. I understand this city is due for something big.”

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell pointed out Metellus’ multi-year captaincy in his remarks about Metellus’ contract extension, and said he’s helped the Vikings “become what we are defensively.”

Metellus has become a fan-favorite not just for his on-field dynamism that often led to viral celebrations, but also off-field efforts like the Vikings’ “Tell Us with Metellus” recurring social media segment.

Metellus said he did not have interest in holding off talks until next offseason, when he’d be able to explore the market as a free agent.

His unique, multi-faceted role in the Vikings’ defense under coordinator Brian Flores is believed to be a factor in why an agreement took longer to complete and could’ve made for an interesting market test had Metellus chosen to gone that route.

Last year, Metellus lined up in five different spots on defense last season, according to Pro Football Focus: in the box (512 snaps), slot corner (330), free safety (90), defensive line (63) and wide corner (33). He’s also a frequent contributor on special teams.

“The starting point to his role is versatility,” O’Connell said.

Metellus’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, also negotiated extensions for Vikings running back Aaron Jones and outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel that were signed this offseason.

Though Metellus participated in Day 1 of training camp practices Wednesday, he was announced as out with a minor ankle issue Tuesday and has not practiced the rest of the week.

He said he anticipates a return Monday, the first day of padded practice. O’Connell dispelled speculation about whether the injury was a hold-in tactic and added that Metellus had participated in walk-throughs Saturday.

“For me to stand here and be that voice and be that front face for guys in the locker room right now who feel like they weren’t seen ... I always tell those guys, ‘Keep going,’ ” Metellus said.

In five seasons, Metellus has 283 career tackles and 2 ½ sacks. He also has four interceptions, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

Metellus received a two-year extension on his rookie contract in 2023.