The Minnesota Vikings struck gold when they signed linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. as an undrafted free agent in 2023. After two years of being a starter, they now face an interesting situation with him needing to be re-signed.
Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine named one player on each NFL team that needs to be a priority to re-sign. Pace was named for the Vikings, as Ballentine wants them to jump on it before the end of the season.
"Brian Flores has built a front seven in Minnesota that is hell for opposing offenses. The Vikings have done a good job of identifying and developing talent that fits what they like to do and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is the embodiment of that.
He was added as an undrafted free agent. He plays with the exact kind of edge you'd expect from someone who had to earn a role as a UDFA. He carried the third-highest pass-rush grade from any linebacker, according to PFF, last season. He was also top 15 against the run.
He'll only be a restricted free agent next offseason, but Minnesota would be wise to lock him into a longer deal."
Ivan Pace Jr. should be re-signed by the Minnesota Vikings ASAP
Over the last two years, Pace has racked up 174 tackles, 16 quarterback hits, nine tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three pass deflections, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble in 28 games. He missed six games last year due to a hamstring injury.
Pace and Blake Cashman had made for a solid duo at inside linebacker, with Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel coming off the edge for Minnesota. For an inside linebacker, Pace is excellent in pass-rushing situations, as Flores frequently sends him on blitzes.
Minnesota faces an issue where Pace is going to be an unrestricted free agent. The question is whether the Vikings should sign him now to avoid losing him in the offseason or wait to see how he performs. That could result in Minnesota either having to pay more for him in the offseason or losing him altogether to another team.
Pace is a perfect fit for Flores' defense, and at age 24, he's only going to get better as a player, as he can develop in his pass coverage skills. If Minnesota plays its cards right and gets Pace taken care of, its defense could be set for years.