Vikings Now Likely to Say Goodbye to a Beloved Player

In the NFL, the money always tells the truth.

Tom Pelissero of The NFL Network passed along the news about safety Theo Jackson remaining in town: “The #Vikings and safety Theo Jackson agreed to terms on a two-year, $12.615 million extension through 2027, with the first two years fully guaranteed at signing, per source. Deal done by Equity Sports Agency.”

The Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling offered a bit more clarity, explaining that the deal spans three seasons since we’re discussing Jackson being a Viking from 2025-27: “A point of clarification on Theo Jackson’s deal with the #Vikings: It’s a three-year contract that runs through 2027. Jackson was scheduled to be a restricted free agent next week; his agency, Equity Sports, said the first two years of the deal are guaranteed.”

Step back and assess those basic facts. A medium deal covering a trio of seasons for Jackson, someone who is well-liked by Minnesota’s coaching staff but who has so far been a backup. What kind of truth can we glean from the contract?

Vikings Have a Goodbye Coming Soon

If three is a crowd, then four is (potentially) one too many. Does saying “yes” to Theo Jackson mean saying “no” to one of Harrison Smith or Camryn Bynum? Smith and Bynum are beloved Vikings, both in the locker room and among fans.

Goessling points toward the precise idea in a separate post on social media, asking, “Jackson was set to be a restricted free agent; his return helps fortify the safety position with Harrison Smith and Cam Bynum’s futures uncertain.” Has that uncertainty now turned into a probable departure for one of those players?

A similar sentiment has been moving through our sites.

Janik Eckardt covered the news of Jackson’s deal. Consider his thought on the implication of the deal: “Jackson got a significant raise, one that could mean that he is in line for an increased role and a promotion, similar to last year’s contract extension of backup offensive lineman Blake Brandel. His contract also indicated a bigger role, and he ultimately claimed the starting left guard job after spending years as a backup tackle and guard.”

Dustin Baker offers a similar idea: “Meanwhile, long-time and beloved safety Harrison Smith is contemplating retirement, and the aforementioned Bynum could skedaddle on Monday, the start of free agency — ‘legal tampering.’ Based on those factors, Jackson’s contract might signify a starter’s job.”

The thinking makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it? Jackson snagged a strong raise, one that suggests there’s internal confidence in his ability to handle more responsibility. An S4 isn’t going to land that kind of commitment from Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.

Another implication is that Josh Metellus is going to get a raise.

Prior to becoming a starter, Metellus signed a two-year extension coming in at a total of $8 million. He has far outperformed that contract, providing Minnesota with tremendous value. Look for the GM to respond by keeping Metellus, who is 27, around for a little while longer.

The Theo Jackson move is simply the first domino to fall. During the offseason, Brian Flores sent some enthusiastic praise in the safety’s direction.

Much more to come, folks, so stay tuned.

Editor’s Note: Information from Over the Cap helped with this piece.

K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on social media (Bluesky & Twitter). If you feel so inclined, subscribe to his Substack, The Vikings Gazette, for more great Vikings content.