
#94 DL · Minnesota Vikings
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'1"
Weight
324 lbs
Age
26
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
2 yrs
DL Rank
#3 / 5
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Sacks | Tkl | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 9 | — | 4 | — |
| 2025 | ![]() | 2 | 0.0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 7 | 0.0 | 3 | 0 |
Updated Mar 20, 2026
Total Value
$2.0M
AAV
$1.0M/yr
The Vikings secured solid value with Taki Taimani's $1M AAV deal, earning a B+ CVI that reflects smart roster building at the margins. At 26, Taimani brings rotational defensive line depth at a price point that aligns perfectly with his production tier — he's not a game-changer, but he's a reliable contributor who can absorb snaps and provide steady interior pressure when called upon. The modest annual value gives Minnesota flexibility while locking in a player who has shown he can handle meaningful rotational duties without breaking the bank. With defensive line depth always at a premium, especially for a team looking to bolster its front seven, this contract represents the type of shrewd depth signing that championship rosters are built on. The Vikings get a known commodity in his prime years without the financial risk that comes with betting on upside, making this a textbook example of maximizing value in the middle tier of the free agent market.
Taki Taimani's D grade with the Vikings captures a rotational defensive lineman providing depth in Minnesota's interior. The big-bodied defender brings size and run-stuffing ability to the rotation, doing the unglamorous work of occupying blockers and clogging lanes. His D grade reflects a player who fills a role without being a featured piece of the defense. Taimani's lack of pass-rush production limits his overall value, but his ability to anchor against the run has some merit. Minnesota's defensive line benefits from having a large body who can spell the starters without a significant drop-off. He's a depth piece doing exactly what's asked of him.
A routine practice squad elevation with minimal roster impact heading into the season finale. Headlines confirm this is a straightforward internal promotion, not an outside acquisition. The key signal is 'underutilized' framing — suggesting upside exists but hasn't materialized yet. Fans are largely indifferent, more focused on the broader interior defensive line questions raised in free agency previews. Taimani gets a brief audition, but this move is unlikely to factor into Minnesota's 2025 defensive rebuild plans.
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Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
D-
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)