Josh Metellus Is Looking for Applications

The 2024 campaign was pretty fun until the late-season gaffes. Still, moments like Justin Jefferson’s 97-yard touchdown reception, Andrew Van Ginkel’s interception returns, or Sam Darnold’s clutch go-ahead laser to a double-covered Jefferson in Seattle are unforgettable.

Josh Metellus Is Looking for Applications

Also memorable were the defensive celebrations. The main focus was on safety Cam Bynum, but his teammate Joshua Metellus was his wingman in many of them. Bynum, however, is no longer with the team, so a vacancy in the celebration world needs to be filled.

That brings us to Monday, when Harrison Smith, another safety, or perhaps the grandfather of Bynum and Metellus, appeared for a media session and was asked about Bynum, with whom he shared the safety spots for the last three years.

“It’s awesome [the contract he got]. Obviously, I hate not being able to play with Cam again, but ultimately, we’re guys trying to make money for their families, their rest of their lives. And those are great things. If I could help him in any way to get to that spot, I’m super pumped about it. I think he would’ve gotten to that point no matter where he went; he’s that type of player, that type of person.”

Bynum signed a four-year deal with the Colts, making an average of $14 million per year. The Vikings didn’t match that contract. It’s sad to see the former Cal cornerback go, but that’s part of the business.

Smith continued, “He’s a great addition for Indianapolis and obviously a big hole we have to fill in a lot more ways that just playmaking ability. Just his presence, what he means being in a room is a big deal. So, we’ll obviously have our work cut out for us there, but I think we got some good options. I’ll definitely miss Cam, though. He’s a pleasure to be around.”

The main available option is backup Theo Jackson, who might be in line for a promotion. Smith also raved about him. Jay Ward, a 2023 draft pick, is also in the mix, but should be considered a long shot. And, well, with the draft right around the corner, the club could also add someone that way.

That’s for the vacant safety spot. But what about the celebrations? Smith was asked if he would have to step up his game: “Yeah, I don’t think I’m the guy for that. I think there are some rumblings of who’s gonna take the role. Obviously, you got Metellus still involved, but there’ll be some names that come to the surface, I’m sure. It’s not gonna be me.”

The referred man, Metellus, shared the clip on social media, noting, “Lmao applications are now being taken!”

Bynum started all 51 games in the last three seasons and he appeared in a total of 65 regular season games, racking up eight interceptions, three forced fumbles, 342 tackles, and 1.5 sacks.

His reward for making plays was performing the celebrations he worked on during the week.

Players come and go in the NFL, and the coaching staff will always find someone to replace them on the field. Although he definitely was a fantastic player for the Vikings, Bynum won’t be much different in that regard. It will be a challenge to replace his presence, though. His positive attitude surely played a role in Kevin O’Connell turning around the culture of the franchise.

When the new free agents say they’ve heard about it and the remaining players praise the atmosphere in the locker room, Bynum was a big part of building that.

The 26-year-old will bring his dance moves to Indianapolis, while the Vikings might have to start a casting show to find his successor.

Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Pro Football Reference helped with this article.