Josh Metellus’ Wife Has Strong Reaction to Vikings Contract Talks

The Minnesota Vikings have attempted to keep matters about Josh Metellus‘ contract extension hushed, but there is some chatter rising from inside the Metellus family.

Entering the final year of his contract, Metellus is due for a massive raise. After signing a two-year, $8 million extension as primarily a special teamer in 2023, Metellus has ascended to becoming one of the most important pieces to Brian Flores’ defense, playing over 1,000 snaps the past two seasons.

Lining up at nearly every spot on the defense, Metellus has embodied what the impact a position-less player can have on the field — which also comes with the question of how much he is worth.

Oftentimes, the Vikings have opened training camp with the announcement of an extension in past years — a grand gesture to alleviate any tensions heading into training camp.

However, at least on the Metellus front, there is officially smoke.

Metellus’ wife, Haley, reacted to general Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s comment on a “great dialogue” regarding contract talks with a laughing emoji — a comment that has since been deleted from VikingzFanPage’s post from July 23.

Haley’s reaction was just the first sign of Josh potentially entering a prove-it year.

Vikings Captain Josh Metellus Takes Step Toward Free Agency

A team captain, Metellus is well aware of his impact not just on the field, but also in the locker room.

A 2020 seventh-round pick turned every-down contributor, Metellus is an exemplary model for younger players to follow in pursuit of a role on the team.

After a pseudo spring hold-in, Metellus participated in practice on Wednesday despite the uncertainty about whether he will get an extension this year.

“A big part of it is, the guy I am in this building is the guy who is out in front, leading the way,” Metellus said, per The Athletic. “So it makes sense not to (sit out).”

However, Metellus taking that step on the practice field also means that he’s more than willing to step toward the exit door — free agency.

“I’ve been betting on myself since I got in this league,” Metellus said. “So I’m not worried about going out there and having the best year of my life and seeing what happens.”

Metellus Remains Optimistic About Striking a Deal

Unlike Byron Murphy Jr. and Cam Bynum, who both bet on themselves and struck lucrative extensions in March, Metellus is not keen on pressing his luck or the Vikings.

“Things have been going good,” he said. “The dialogue has been going good. So I’m not too worried about what’s going on (on the business side). I’m just doing my part to be here for the team.”

But if the Vikings and Metellus, entering his age-27 season, cannot find common ground, he may become a target for other teams next offseason.

What makes Metellus’ contract scenario difficult is his unique role in Flores’ system. Metellus is surely valuable in Minnesota and should be treated as such, but whether he will be valued as highly as a free agent is up for debate.

Theo Jackson, who was the understudy for Metellus’ “star” role in Flores’ defense, stepping into a more prominent role in place of Bynum — who signed with the Indianapolis Colts — will be telling for the Vikings.

Harrison Smith also continues to be on a year-to-year basis about his career, which could play to Metellus’ favor.