The Minnesota Vikings are still putting the pieces of their roster together. Jamal Adams was the latest notable arrival, and listing him at linebacker rather than safety could have a ripple effect on others.
Ivan Pace Jr. is among them, and he is firmly on notice in a contract year.
Adams might be way past the peak of his powers now, but he's got the physicality and coverage capabilities that could be useful on the rotation in defensive coordinator Brian Flores' system. Minnesota's linebacking depth was sketchy at best before his arrival, so there is a good chance he can carve out a role for himself with a smooth transition over the summer.
Ivan Pace Jr. is firmly on notice after Minnesota Vikings sign Jamal Adams
Where that leaves someone like Pace is anyone's guess. But the heat has seemingly been turned up in no uncertain terms.
Pace was a fantastic feel-good story, coming to the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He comfortably made the team and recorded over 100 tackles as a rookie. A promising future awaited, but things have since tailed off.
Now, the Vikings have a big decision to make with Pace. He's got one year and no more guaranteed money left on his contract after signing a restricted free-agent tender this offseason. Minnesota will give him every chance to stake a claim over camp and the preseason, but Adams' arrival has completely changed the dynamic.
And it could go either way for Pace now.
Of course, there is a way for the Vikings to maximize this situation.
Pace is still young, and even though he is a little undersized compared to most linebackers around the league, he's got three years of decent enough production on his résumé. If general manager Nolan Teasley does make him surplus to requirements at some stage, perhaps making a few calls to get a pick swap or a late Day 3 selection via trade from a potential suitor looking to jump the queue will be considered.
Adams may never reach the heights of his All-Pro days with the New York Jets, but the flashes displayed at the defensive second level during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders last season were encouraging. And if he picks things up quickly this summer, Pace could very well be the odd man out.
The Vikings would save $3.5 million by releasing or trading Pace, with no dead money ramifications whatsoever. It's a situation the former Cincinnati standout is looking to avoid, but the stakes have been raised exponentially.
Nothing but a positive response will do for Pace. Anything less, and he could be on another club by the time Week 1 rolls around.
It's that simple.
Add us as a preferred source on Google