We appreciate your inquiries for the Vikings mailbag this week. Questions are always welcome to be sent to andrew.krammer@startribune.com. You may discover the answers here or on the Access Vikings podcast. Now let’s do it.
Will Josh Metellus, a safety, be requesting a raise during the offseason? — “M”
AK: With 739 snaps, Metellus is ranked fourth on the defense. Before Week 1, he agreed to a two-year agreement worth up to $13 million, anticipating that Flores would give him a more significant and consistent role. But that might play a bigger role than they thought. Because he can do a little bit of everything, he is not going to leave the field. He has played linebacker and slot corner, covering the middle of coverages and finishing third on
Metellus effectively agreed to a two-year extension worth $8 million, of which $5.1 million was guaranteed. That $4 million average is comparable to that of a guy who plays just as much as Metellus—Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers ($4.5 million annually). Metellus has the potential to increase the value by an additional approximately $4 million through undisclosed incentives. He receive respectable salary before to the season and has performed well for the formidable Vikings defense.
Coach Kevin O’Connell stated on Tuesday that following Joshua Dobbs’ four-interception performance on Monday night, he will weigh all of his options during the Vikings’ bye week. The fifth-round selection Hall displayed composure during his brief debut in the NFL on November 5 in Atlanta. It’s crucial to remember, though, that when Hall made his first start after recovering from a concussion last week, he was the third-best passer behind the seasoned Nick Mullens. Even in his eighth season, Mullens still leads Dobbs and Hall in the number of NFL starts he has (17). He has worked in the West Coast system from San Francisco to Cleveland to Minnesota for many years. Most significantly, he has spent the last 15 months with the Vikings and could be the most
What would the Vikings’ symbolic victory over the Raiders need to accomplish in order to revive the notion of going farther in the postseason? — @draw_goblin
AK: I don’t think the Vikings have much of an opportunity to improve their season’s outlook this week against the Raiders (5-7), who are playing better under interim head coach Antonio Pierce. It should take several weeks to regain confidence after losing to the Bears at home, at least among outsiders. With the Raiders allowing 5.4 yards per play, which ranks 23rd, the quarterback, whoever starts, has a strong chance to get back on track. Cincinnati, with their poor defense and lack of Joe Burrow, offers a league-worst 6.2 yards per play allowed. That
