Josh Mitelos contract extension
Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah paid tribute to Metellus earlier this spring during an interview with NFL Network’s Peter Schrager.
“You can feel when someone’s teammates really like them, really appreciate them and really want to follow them into battle, and he’s one of those guys,” said Adofu-Mensah. “It’s what the Minnesota Vikings are all about, and I think people will appreciate that more this season.”
Those qualities are sure to show throughout the Minnesota locker room, as Mytelos was recently named one of the eight Vikings captains for the 2023 season — roles that are voted on by his teammates.
Veteran safety Harrison Smith praises Metellus’ football IQ and appreciates what the younger defensive back brings to the defense and the team as a whole.
“Whether it’s the right guard on the team, or a safety, or something else. He’s a really smart guy, he’s an explosive player and he can do a lot of things athletically,” said Smith. “I think his confidence has grown over the years as he’s been playing almost everywhere he’s been put in. And not just in training camp or in training – it’s the same on game day. It’s really fun to watch.”
Throughout the offseason program and Vikings training camp, it was clear that Metellus could fit into the Minnesota defense in a number of ways. In addition to his foundation in the safe place, he is also sometimes lined up at the corner of the hole or even in one of the fullback positions, depending on the formation.
Metellus is one of six safes on the Vikings’ active roster, a number chosen by the team’s leadership specifically because of the options available to Flores and his staff on game day.
“that it they The flexibility you give we Flexibility. “So the guys who can play nickels, who can play cornerbacks, who can play linebacker,” Flores explained. “It allows us as employees to talk about a guy like Metellus, playing in several different roles – in this package he is this, in this package he is this, in this package he is that, and that gives us some flexibility.”
Metellus is proud and excited to secure his spot on the Vikings roster for the next three seasons. But the time for celebration will come later. For now, all focus is on Week 1 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers playing at US Bank Stadium.
“I’m happy for him, excited for him. But, let’s train well.” “That’s what I’m going to tell him,” said Flores, smiling.
