If nothing else, the Vikings are moving closer to the Grey Cup after officially announcing the signing of CFL linebacker Solomon Elimimian.

Elimimian, 25, who helped the British Columbia Lions win the Grey Cup this past season, joins the team because, well, it needs some bodies under contract at the linebacker position.

The 6-foot, 227-pounder is undersized for the NFL game, but he can hit and tackle. A CFL player poll named him the CFL's hardest hitter in 2011. He led the Lions in tackles with 98, and also had four sacks and two interceptions.

Elimimian, who is Hawaii's all-time leading tackler with 434, went undrafted in 2009. He spent two preseason games with the Bills that summer before being cut. He joined the BC Lions in 2010 and was the CFL's most outstanding defensive rookie in 2010.

Elimimian is the third former CFL player on the Vikings' roster. He joins receiver Manny Arceneaux and linebacker Kenny Onatolu.

Solomon will at least be given a chance at linebacker, but he's probably more suited as a cover guy on special teams.