Minnesota Vikings standout safety Josh Metellus could seek a trade since contract talks haven’t been going anywhere this offseason. According to a report, the two parties are in discussions of a new deal as Metellus is entering the final year of his contract, but there hasn’t been anything in place. Metellus has reportedly been “holding in” at mandatory camp, which could be an indicator to the Vikings that he would rather receive a new deal sooner rather than later. It’s easy to see why the safety is awaiting a resolution for a new contract as he’s been one of the best secondary pieces a part of this unit.
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Originally selected in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Michigan product downplayed the fact that he is limiting himself during OTAs and minicamp, since he said it’s all a part of the process and there hasn’t been any change. He and Camryn Bynum did combine for five interceptions and had excellent chemistry throughout the 2024 campaign, so since they weren’t able to afford to keep Bynum, they must find a way to retain at least Metellus, or else this once secondary that was excellent could be a different story this upcoming season. The Vikings may have gotten Byron Murphy Jr. back for another deal, but there’s no guarantee that will be the same case for Metellus, as anything in this league can happen, and these two teams could take advantage if the safety doesn’t receive a new contract by Training Camp.
Top Vikings Standout Josh Metellus Could Seek a Trade Amid Contract Talks – Chargers, Panthers Top Fits
More Depth in Los Angeles
Despite the Los Angeles Chargers having one of the most explosive secondaries last season, it will look dramatically different this upcoming campaign. After losing Kristian Fulton, the Chargers quickly made it up by signing not only Donte Jackson but also Benjamin St-Juste. Between safeties Alohi Gilman and Derwin James Jr., the team has a lot of depth in their unit, along with extending Elijah Molden this offseason. Metellus might not have a starting job with the Chargers, but he could easily carve out a role in this secondary department that looks to be getting better each season.
Metellus could find his footing in Los Angeles, where the defensive coordinator Jesse Minter could continue to bring out the best in him after spending some time with Brian Flores. The Chargers would be reaping the benefits in this situation, especially if Gilman suffers another injury (which the Chargers hope he doesn’t), as this would allow Metellus to emerge as a possible starter.
Bolstering Carolina’s Secondary
Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are in dire need of a safety despite signing Trevon Moehrig this offseason. Nick Scott isn’t much of a reliable starter who will help Moehrig get up to speed. While they have cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Michael Jackson that will be the main contributors of this secondary, they should find a way to get Josh Metellus. The Panthers had one of the worst defenses in the league last year, and that was due to a poor secondary unit.
Metellus could easily become the new promising duo alongside Moehrig.
