The Minnesota Vikings’ front office, led by General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, sent shockwaves through the fanbase on Thursday with a savvy, under-the-radar signing that has Vikings Territory buzzing. With the team’s linebacker depth tested after a brutal rash of injuries in Week 1, Minnesota moved swiftly to bolster its roster by signing veteran linebacker Sione Takitaki to the practice squad—a move that’s being hailed as a masterstroke by analysts and fans alike.
The Vikings’ linebacker corps took a significant hit when starting linebacker Blake Cashman suffered a hamstring injury that will sideline him for at least a month. With Cashman headed to the injured reserve (IR), the team’s depth chart, featuring Eric Wilson and rookie Kobe King, suddenly looked vulnerable. Recognizing the urgency, Adofo-Mensah didn’t hesitate to tap into his connections and bring in a seasoned veteran to shore up the position.
Enter Sione Takitaki, a 29-year-old linebacker with 83 NFL games and 40 starts under his belt since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2019. Takitaki, who also spent time with the New England Patriots, is no stranger to stepping up when called upon. His addition to the practice squad is seen as immediate insurance—and potentially a game-changer—for a Vikings defense that needs reliability in Cashman’s absence.
Takitaki’s signing has sparked excitement not just for his experience but for his reputation as one of the NFL’s most underrated defenders. Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades tell the story of a balanced, dependable linebacker who excels in multiple facets of the game:
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2024: 63.0
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2023: 70.7
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2022: 66.5
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2021: 67.5
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2020: 67.5 (career-high 71.2 in coverage)
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2019: 64.5
Whether it’s pass coverage, run defense, tackling, or pass rushing, Takitaki is the definition of a “steady-eddy” off-ball linebacker. He doesn’t dominate in any single area, but he also doesn’t falter—making him the perfect plug-and-play option for Minnesota’s immediate needs. His versatility and consistency have earned him praise as a player who quietly gets the job done, a trait that aligns perfectly with defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ scheme-heavy approach.
The signing has a personal touch for Adofo-Mensah, who spent time in the Cleveland Browns’ front office as Vice President of Football Operations before taking the reins in Minnesota. During his tenure in Cleveland, Takitaki was a mainstay on the Browns’ roster, giving Adofo-Mensah firsthand knowledge of the linebacker’s capabilities. This connection likely played a pivotal role in Thursday’s signing, as the Vikings GM leaned on his past experience to secure a player he knows can deliver.
The move is yet another example of Minnesota’s front office leveraging relationships to build a competitive roster. With ties to former players and coaches through Adofo-Mensah, head coach Kevin O’Connell, and Flores, the Vikings have a knack for finding diamonds in the rough—Takitaki being the latest gem.
What makes this signing particularly stunning is Takitaki’s pedigree. A third-round pick out of BYU in 2019, Takitaki played five seasons with the Browns before signing a two-year deal with the Patriots in 2024. Despite playing just 194 defensive snaps in New England, he contributed over 100 special teams snaps, showcasing his versatility. The Patriots’ surprising decision to release him in February left Takitaki on the free-agent market—until Minnesota pounced.
As Tony Camnio of Dawg Pound Daily noted in July, “Takitaki has graded in the top half of linebackers every year since he was drafted in 2019, with grades consistently in the mid-to-high 60s.” His ability to contribute on both defense and special teams makes him a luxury addition to the Vikings’ practice squad, with a strong chance of seeing the active roster soon.
Takitaki wasn’t the only addition announced on Thursday. According to Vikings.com reporters Craig Peters and Rob Kleifield, the team also signed receiver Tim Jones and tight end Nick Vannett from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, while adding cornerback Tyrek Funderburk alongside Takitaki to the practice squad. Funderburk, an undrafted rookie in 2024 who played 162 defensive snaps for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, adds further depth to a secondary that’s also feeling the injury pinch.
The reaction from Vikings fans has been electric. Social media platforms like X are abuzz with praise for Adofo-Mensah’s proactive approach, with many calling Takitaki the “most underrated defender” in the NFL. Posts on X highlight the excitement:
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“Kwesi just fleeced the league again! Takitaki is a STEAL for the practice squad. #Skol”
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“Sione Takitaki is about to be a PROBLEM for opposing offenses. Flores is gonna love this guy. #Vikings”
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“Underrated gem alert! Takitaki’s PFF grades don’t lie—Vikings just got tougher. 💪”
With a primetime matchup against the Atlanta Falcons looming on Sunday Night Football, the Vikings’ faithful are hopeful that Takitaki’s addition signals a defensive resurgence. A recent poll on X shows fans split on the game’s outcome, with 441 votes cast and the Vikings holding a slight edge.
While Takitaki starts on the practice squad, his experience and versatility make him a prime candidate for elevation to the active roster, especially with Cashman sidelined. His ability to contribute in multiple roles—whether stopping the run, covering tight ends, or playing special teams—gives Flores a valuable chess piece. For a Vikings team looking to stay competitive in a tough NFC North, this signing could prove to be a turning point.
In a league where injuries can derail even the most promising seasons, Adofo-Mensah’s quick thinking and strategic connections have given Minnesota a fighting chance. Vikings Territory is rightfully erupting over this stunning coup, and all eyes will be on Takitaki as he looks to make an impact in purple and gold.