Minnesota Vikings sign DL Taki Taimani

Taki Taimani's signing earns a C+ Contract Value Index (CVI), reflecting a modest depth acquisition at a marginal cost that makes sense for a Vikings roster sitting at 9-8 and fighting for playoff positioning, but one that doesn't move the needle materially. At $1.02M AAV on a $2.04M total deal, this is replacement-level salary for a defensive lineman—the kind of low-risk, low-reward move teams make to add bodies to the trenches without tying up meaningful cap resources. The CVI grade suggests Taimani's on-field production doesn't justify premium pricing, and the contract structure reflects that; Minnesota is essentially buying depth and scheme fit rather than a difference-maker. For a franchise still grinding through the regular season with everything to prove before the postseason arrives, this signing represents the pragmatic middle ground—not a bargain hunt, but not an overpay either. The risk profile is minimal given the short money involved, though the upside is similarly capped; Taimani is a roster plug, not a playoff catalyst.