The Vikings' defense dominated July 29 practice, with Dallas Turner impressing. The team also locked up key safety Josh Metellus with a big contract extension.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The satisfying thud of pads finally returned to Eagan, and with it, a clear message: the Minnesota Vikings defense is for real. On the first day of full-contact practice, Brian Flores's unit put on a masterclass, completely dominating the first-team offense in the crucial two-minute drill and setting an aggressive tone for 2025's training camp.
Three years, $36 million for the man who helped transform the locker room culture. Josh Metellus is here to stay.
The hype around the revamped defense appears justified. New additions Jonathan Greenard, Javon Hargrave, and Jonathan Allen are already showing impressive chemistry, flying to the ball and suffocating offensive plays. Their dominance was most apparent during the final period of practice, where they shut down the first-team offense's two-minute drill with ease. The second team fared no better. It's the kind of performance that has coaches and fans buzzing about the potential of this group under Flores.
The good news wasn't limited to the field. The Vikings secured a vital piece of their future, signing safety and special teams captain Josh Metellus to a three-year, $36 million extension that could be worth up to $42 million. This is more than just rewarding a versatile player; it's a statement about the culture Kevin O'Connell has built. Metellus has been instrumental in the post-Zimmer era, providing vocal leadership and on-field accountability that has been crucial since the departure of veterans like Adam Thielen. Locking him up ensures a key leader remains in the building as the Vikings chase their Super Bowl aspirations.
While the defense thrived, the offense is still finding its footing, particularly with Justin Jefferson sidelined. Head Coach Kevin O'Connell noted that Jordan Addison and Jalen Nailor have stepped up to fill the void, and newcomers Tim Jones and Rondale Moore are making strides. However, the struggles in the two-minute drill highlight the work that needs to be done. In the quarterback competition, reports suggest rookie J.J. McCarthy is gaining a slight edge for the QB2 spot over Brett Rypien, though his performance has been described as 'uneven'—a typical training camp experience for a young passer facing a fierce defense.
Speaking of Jefferson, O'Connell confirmed the superstar receiver is progressing well in his rehab. While he's not practicing, he remains a vocal presence, mentoring his fellow wideouts. The team is wisely taking a cautious approach to his return. In other news, the team activated OLB Chad Shambbley from the PUP list, a good sign for their pass-rushing depth. Rookie TE Gavin Bartholomew remains on the PUP list with a back issue but is expected back soon. Finally, a happy 38th birthday to long snapper Andrew DePaola, the team's oldest player, who received plenty of love from teammates on social media.
One day of pads doesn't define a season, but it certainly sets a tone. The defense has thrown down the gauntlet, and now the pressure is on the offense to respond in the coming days. As the QB2 battle heats up and the team awaits the return of its biggest star, the path to improving on last year's 14-3 record is being paved right now in the trenches at Eagan. The journey to end a five-year playoff victory drought has officially begun.
