Dec 16, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings Winter Warrior helmet earlier than the sport in opposition to the Chicago Bears at U.S. Financial institution Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Brad Rempel-Imagn Photos.
Linebacker Sione Takitaki was within the Twin Cities final season, principally serving in a depth function. The tackler performed in only a trio of video games for Minnesota, spending the remainder of his time on the follow squad.
He’s now becoming a member of some former Vikings in Houston.
Former Vikings Defender Sione Takitaki is in a Good Spot
Proper now, the Vikings are fairly loaded at linebacker.
When wholesome, Blake Cashman is a superb LB1. Not elite, however excellent. He’s anyone who can cowl, blitz, and erase runners. Most groups can be properly served by having a ‘backer as smart and competitive as Mr. Cashman. Only injury slows him down. When his body allows, he’s a distinction maker.
Subsequent up are a mixture of Eric Wilson, Jake Golday, and Ivan Tempo Jr. There’s an excellent likelihood that these three find yourself being the LB2, LB3, and LB4 throughout the 2026 season, offered well being cooperates. After these three, there are some commonplace depth items trying to shock individuals.
Dec 17, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight finish Robert Tonyan (18) cannot catch a go defended by Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) through the first quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports activities
Final yr, the Vikings had a fairly comparable linebacker setup. What was lacking was full well being for Cashman and the presence of Golday. A part of the repair may very well be present in Takitaki.
The Third-Spherical choice spent a lot of the season on the follow squad. Doing so gave the Vikings some peace of thoughts since he might get referred to as up at a second’s discover if a veteran was wanted. Minnesota did dissipate the three freebie elevations from the follow squad however didn’t give him a full contract for the 53-man roster.
The ultimate tally reveals that Takitaki provided the Vikings 3 tackles. He performed 45 snaps on specials however none on protection.
Initially, the linebacker received into the NFL within the 2019 NFL Draft. He did in order a Brown, a spot the place he stayed till 2023. Since then, the linebacker has put in time with the Patriots and Vikings earlier than getting his newest gig with the Texans.
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) is chased by Cleveland Browns linebacker Sione Takitaki (44) through the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports activities – Credit score: USA TODAY Sports activities by way of Reuters Join
Houston operates within the AFC. Minnesota, clearly, is within the NFC. The groups aren’t scheduled to play one another within the upcoming season however might meet within the Tremendous Bowl, although the chances of the Vikings holding up their finish of the discount seem exceedingly small.
Different former Vikings gamers to pickup work with the Texans are edge rusher Danielle Hunter and proper guard Ed Ingram.
Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Electronic mail: okay.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.
