Ed Ta'amu was wondering what all the congratulations were about last night. Ta‘amu not a Viking, yet
Staff and news reports
The Iolani School graduate told the Star-Bulletin by phone he hadn't signed a contract with the Minnesota Vikings, contrary to wire service reports earlier in the day.
"I don't know anything about this. I have a message from my agent (Jeff Sperbeck), so maybe there's some kind of agreement or something. I need to talk to him," said Ta'amu, a fourth-round draft pick.
"I don't even know how much money we're asking for," he said. "I think we're shooting for a three-year deal. I just hope it's all done by the time camp starts (July 26)."
Ta'amu, a guard, was a two-time All-Mountain West Conference pick at Utah. He was taken 132nd overall.
Ta'amu switched from defensive tackle after his sophomore season. He started the final nine games for the Utes, including the Las Vegas Bowl. Ta'amu compiled 123 knockdowns in his senior campaign, including a school-record 25 against Brigham Young. As a senior he anchored an offensive line that helped produce more than 4,500 yards, averaging 428.7 yards per game.
He returned to Hawaii to play in the Hula Bowl after the season.
On Tuesday, the Vikings signed their sixth- and seventh-round selections, linebacker Nick Rogers and defensive tackle Chad Beasley.
Talks continue between the team and the four unsigned picks -- first-round offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, second-round linebacker Raonall Smith, third-round defensive back Willie Offord and fourth-round cornerback Brian Williams.