Tonka Hemingway

Career StatsC+

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		9	4.0	9	1
2025		9	4.0	9	1

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Tonka Hemingway's contract earns a B Contract Value Index, with the AAV sitting where the comparable-tier deals tend to settle. At $1.2M annually on a four-year rookie scale deal, he's locked into the standard cost structure for a fourth-round pick, and his C+ performance grade reflects a player still establishing himself as a productive NFL contributor rather than an immediate impact starter. His 2025 season showed modest but encouraging progress—nine tackles and four sacks across nine games—with late-season performances against quality divisional opponents suggesting developmental momentum in his second year. Hemingway sits squarely in the depth-piece-with-upside category, and at his current salary, the Raiders are getting the value structure right for a young defensive lineman still proving consistency and durability at the position. The B+ sentiment surrounding him is measured and realistic; media coverage frames him as a trending contributor with expanded opportunities rather than a cornerstone player, which aligns perfectly with what you'd expect from a 24-year-old in his second season on an affordable rookie deal. The four-year term provides reasonable runway for development without significant cap drag, and as Las Vegas continues to rotate defensive personnel—recently releasing veteran depth pieces—Hemingway represents the type of emerging talent the organization can afford to develop in a rebuild-oriented evaluation phase.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Tonka's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Among defensive tackles on the Las Vegas Raiders, Tonka Hemingway's output grades to a C+ performance level. The 24-year-old fourth-round pick from 2025 posted modest but encouraging production in his rookie campaign, with his sack total of four standing out as a meaningful contributor stat in limited opportunities—a sign of productivity when he was on the field. However, nine tackles across nine games underscores a clear weakness: his run-defense engagement and overall snap share remain minimal, suggesting he is still developing the consistency and durability required to anchor a defensive line. Hemingway logged just nine games in 2025, which reflects either injury limitations or a reserve role, and his modest counting stats reflect that depth-piece status rather than an established starter's workload. What makes his trajectory compelling is the context: recent late-season multi-sack performances against Kansas City and Denver have shifted the narrative from developmental project to emerging contributor with legitimate upside, and the Raiders' recent removal of veteran depth pieces like Brodric Martin signals a potential expanded role for 2026. At $1.2M annually on a rookie scale contract, Hemingway represents low-cost upside potential—exactly the type of young defensive lineman worth monitoring as he enters his second NFL season with reportedly increased defensive responsibilities and another year of NFL experience under his belt.

How Tonka Compares at the Position

Tonka Hemingway ranks 71st of 216 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Tonka between Bubba Thomas (B-) just ahead and Bill Norton (C+) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Tonka Hemingway has quietly built modest positive momentum within Raiders circles and among NFL observers, earning a B+ sentiment grade as he heads into his third season. The defensive tackle's late-season surge, including multi-sack performances against division rivals Kansas City and Denver, has shifted the narrative from developmental project to legitimate contributor with upside potential. Media coverage consistently emphasizes his improved pass-rush productivity and expanded defensive responsibilities, though analysts remain appropriately cautious given his limited career production of just four sacks through 2025. At $1.2M annually, Hemingway represents the type of emerging talent that generates optimism without unrealistic expectations—he's viewed as a solid depth piece trending upward rather than a cornerstone player. The consensus portrayal is decidedly encouraging but measured, with most coverage acknowledging his developmental progress while noting persistent questions about consistency and long-term durability in Las Vegas's defensive rotation.