Risk Flags
6- Depth Chart
Gibbs is the locked-in alpha (value 9630) with Dan Campbell confirming an expanded role post-Montgomery. Detroit then signed Isiah Pacheco on a 1-year deal to fill the RB2 vacancy, placing Vaki third on the depth chart with near-zero path to volume in a healthy backfield.
- Injury Concerns
Vaki suffered multiple injuries throughout 2025 that prevented development, and appeared in only 16 games as a rookie with just 6 rushes for 14 yards and 3 receptions for 37 yards. His inability to stay healthy raises serious durability questions.
- Roster Hierarchy Collapse
Dropped to RB3 with only 1 offensive snap in 2025. Tom Kennedy's emergence as kick returner has eliminated Vaki's primary special teams value, making him a likely cut candidate.
- Roster Cut Candidate
Vaki is considered a likely cut candidate heading into 2026, with the Lions able to save $942,823 in cap space by releasing him. Tom Kennedy's emergence as kick returner has eliminated Vaki's primary special teams value.
- Minimal Offensive Role
Vaki hasn't received non-garbage time carries despite being on the roster, and returned just two kickoffs for 39 total yards in 2025. He has zero established offensive role behind Gibbs and Montgomery.
- Usage & Volume
Vaki posted 0% snap share and 0% target share across his final four 2025 games (W14–W18), recording zero fantasy points — a total blackout from offensive involvement heading into the offseason.