Vikings Could Lock in Sneaky Contract Extension
The Minnesota Vikings extended Andrew Van Ginkel’s contract this week, connecting him to the purple depth chart through the end of the 2026 season.
Vikings Could Lock in Sneaky Contract Extension
The Pro Bowl EDGE defender earned $23 million in new cash, ranking him around the NFL’s 15th highest-paid outside linebacker (or defensive end in 4-3 schemes).
And while other players like safety Josh Metellus will likely see extensions in the coming months, the Vikings could pull off a sneaky early deal with off-ball linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
Before Too Long, Ivan Pace Jr. Will Be Eligible
Pace Jr. is under contract through the end of the 2025 campaign, and thereafter, because he joined the team via undrafted free agency in 2023, the team controls his rights.
So, some fans might kick their feet up and fully believe that Pace Jr. will live on the Vikings’ ledger for cheap until 2026 or so, but the extension may arrive early.
Pace Jr. signed a three-year deal at $905,000 per year upon his UDFA arrival, mere pennies in NFL-speak.
Pace Jr.’s Production to Date
Soon after general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s 2023 UDFA haul, fans, pundits, and Pace Jr.’s teammates began pounding the table for him as an impact contributor before he even set foot on a preseason field.
Those theorists were emphatically correct.
Pace Jr. has logged 174 total tackles, 34 QB pressures, 16 QB hits, 9 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 interceptions in 28 games (21 starts). He produced a 77.1 Pro Football Focus grade in 2023 as a rookie and 64.6 in 2024.
He’s already penciled in as a starter on the 2025 depth chart with no debates from anybody.
How Much for Pace Jr.?
When Adofo-Mensah gets down to brass tacks, Pace Jr. will likely secure a deal worth $10 million to $12 million per season, which will feel like a massive payday for the young defender because of his salary currently.
Off-ball linebackers don’t earn as much as EDGE defenders, but Pace Jr. showcases some hybrid qualities, and those may nudge his salary to $12 million annually.
Think: four years and $44 million or something similar for the 24-year-old.
Vikings’ History of Taking Care of Players Early
For those who might claim it’s “too early” to address Pace Jr.’s second contract, glance at Adofo-Mensah’s history with Christian Darrisaw and the aforementioned Van Ginkel.
Minnesota finalized Darrisaw’s contract a full year early, saving itself megabucks along the way. And Van Ginkel’s contract didn’t expire until after the 2025 campaign, but as a respect token, the Vikings took care of him in the month of April before his deal’s expiration.
It will not be weird at all for Adofo-Mensah to lock Pace Jr. down for the long haul as early as now. Not strange one iota.
Janik Eckardt on Pace Jr.
PurplePTSD‘s Janik Eckardt recently opined on Pace Jr.’s upcoming extension: “Another Flores special, Ivan Pace Jr., was signed after the 2023 draft and immediately earned a big-time role under the coordinator. He signed a three-year contract for a laughable annual salary of $905,000.”
“After the season, he will be a restricted free agent, and the Vikings hold all the cards, but rewarding players who have been underpaid has been something this Vikings regime has done.”
Vikings.com on Pace Jr.
Vikings.com‘s Rob Kleifeld noted on Pace Jr. this offseason: “Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace, Jr., were the hearts of Minnesota’s defense, which led the league in takeaways, with 33, and allowed the lowest percentage of scoring drives in the NFL in 2024 at 31.6%.”
“Pace has demonstrated swift reactions, good lateral agility and play recognition – traits that make him a stud against the run – but there’s a power to be unlocked in pass coverage where he more often balances his quintessential urgency, which is unique to his game and of players appearing to play at a faster mph, with a patience that’ll prevent him from overrunning option routes and improve his angles.”
It’s worth noting that Pace Jr. helped the Vikings’ defense rank second in the NFL last year per DVOA, defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ second season in charge.
Kleifeld concluded, “Here’s our bottom line: With Cashman as a guide, Pace, who won’t turn 25 until the tail end of next season, is set up to mature into an every-down player that’s equally good at quelling the run and pass.”
Fans should expect a Pace Jr. extension, and it might even shake out this summer.
Vikings GM Pounds the Table for Newcomer
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