Metellus, Jackson, and Jay Ward are currently the only safeties under contract in 2025, when Smith and Bynum’s deals expire in March.
“A lot of guys would be upset about having a great camp, wanting an opportunity to get in there and play,” Flores said. “I’m sure he was frustrated, been frustrated about that. But he’s very much an unselfish and team guy, and the guys in that room love him, and the guys throughout the team love him, for that.”
Rookie defensive tackle Levi Drake Rodriguez made his NFL defensive debut Sunday, replacing Redmond with six snaps late in the game. He managed to stand out in the limited run, tackling Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III near the goal line for no gain.
“He’s a guy we’re pouring into obviously for the long term,” coach Kevin O’Connell said of Rodriguez, a seventh-round pick out of Texas A&M-Commerce. “We think he’s got a lot of upside from a versatility standpoint: rushing the passer, continuing to grow and defending the run. … He’s been impactful whenever he’s gotten opportunities and very, very much a positive future for us. I know that for sure.”
The Vikings still added defensive line depth Thursday by signing sixth-year defensive tackle Jonathan Harris, who was let go by Carolina on Monday. The team released cornerback Kelvin Joseph to make room.