The 40 Most Important Vikings of 2026: No. 18 — Josh Metellus

The Minnesota Vikings may or may not have Harrison Smith at the back end of their defense in 2026; the 37-year-old did not inform the franchise of his plan to retire – – or return for Year No. 15. If Smith is gone for good, No. 18 on VikesNow‘s most important Vikings players of 2026 becomes even more vitally important: Joshua Metellus.

The safety enters Year No. 7 with the Vikings, and this might be his first as the main maestro in the DB room.

The Defense Could Ask More of Metellus Than Ever

Metellus’s Role in 2026

For now, there is no Smith on the Vikings’ depth chart. A source told VikesNow this week that Smith will return, but obviously, seeing is believing.

That puts Metellus in line for the most consequential role of his career – – the Vikings’ main starting safety. This may be the first time Metellus has been observed as both a versatile asset for Brian Flores and the experienced leader orchestrating the defense.

His on-field role changed significantly last year. By the numbers, Metellus’s free safety snaps increased dramatically from 90 in 2024 to 350 in 2025, while his time near the line of scrimmage or in the slot decreased considerably. Metellus himself indicated he eventually became comfortable playing deeper.

So, the paramount question for 2026 extends beyond merely Metellus’s positional deployment. It asks whether Flores now has enough defensive back talent to give Metellus more flexibility. Metellus suggested that the team might be able to alternate between linebacker-heavy schemes and formations rich in defensive backs, contingent on training camp performances.

Metellus mentioned his role in the Vikings’ defense in June, “Once I stepped into my leadership role years ago, he kind of let me handle that. So on that forefront, it’s nothing too different. I’ve always been the vocal guy, the guy to take charge by action and voice.”

What Success Looks Like

For Metellus, success means Flores can use the entire playbook because Metellus can handle it. Flores has described the safety position as the communication hub of his defense. Safeties have a full view of the formation and are sometimes responsible for checking the entire unit into a different call. He specifically praised Metellus for his ability to absorb and transmit information to teammates.

From a statistical perspective, Metellus generated a 28.6% quarterback-pressure rate on his 28 pass-rush snaps in 2025, despite rushing far less often. That ranked him tied for fifth among qualifying defensive backs.

Overall, success for Metellus is stepping up and making Vikings fans miss Smith … less – – if Smith is formally retired.

What Could Make This Ranking Look Too Low – – or Too High

The No. 18 ranking will be too low in hindsight if Smith never returns, and Metellus becomes the undisputed veteran centerpiece of the safety room. In that scenario, Metellus’s No. 18 ranking could seem conservative. While the Vikings might replace tackles and sacks, it’s far harder to replace the player who understands three positions and helps everyone else execute theirs.

Metellus has already stated that he’s been a vocal leader alongside Smith for years. Smith’s absence would alter the hierarchy more visibly than it would necessarily change Metellus himself.

Too high? Minnesota’s younger safeties progress enough that Flores doesn’t need Metellus to carry such a huge schematic burden – – or Metellus becomes more of a conventional deep safety again and produces merely solid results. No. 18 on the countdown is really a bet that Metellus remains unusually difficult to replace, not simply that he’s a starting safety.

Next in the Countdown

That’s 23 Vikings in the books before the first preseason game:

At No. 17, center Blake Brandel checks in, who is on tap for starting center duty in 2026. He’s never set sail on the regular season as a starting center.

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VikesNow Verdict: Metellus has already proved he can wear several hats in Flores’s defense. Now he may have to wear the biggest one. If Smith stays away, Minnesota needs Metellus’s versatility and leadership as much as his production.
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About The Author

Dustin Baker

Dustin Baker is the co-founder and editor of VikesNow, a novelist, a writer at CBS Sports, and a political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders, is out now, along with his debut thriller, The Motor Route. He hosts VikesNow on YouTube and has followed the Minnesota Vikings intently since 1996. Guilty pleasures include peanut butter ice cream, The Sopranos, Basset Hounds, and The Doors.

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