The Vikings Put 4 Players on Trade Market, But There’s a Mystery Player to Watch
The Vikings haven’t been shy about tossing players into the trade frenzy. Doing so has involved letting word leak via the updates coming from league insiders.
Consider, to begin, the update that got out over the weekend from ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Sources: Vikings have informed running back Aaron Jones and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave that, barring a trade, they will be released at the start of the league year this month. Jones’ release will save the Vikings $7.75 million against the cap, Hargrave’s $10.9 million.”
Next, there was the unexpected update about Jonathan Greenard getting included in trade chatter. Schefter again: “Vikings are now open to trading Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Geeenard, per sources. They would like to keep Greenard, but they also have salary cap issues they’re working through that have led to these trade conversations.”
Finally, note that Jeremy Fowler (also of ESPN) jumped into the action to clarify what’s coming for DT Jonathan Allen: “The Vikings are expected to release DT Jonathan Allen due to salary cap constraints, per sources. The former Pro Bowler had 68 tackles and 3.5 sacks in 17 starts. The Vikings are $40-plus million over the cap and need to get under, thus the move.”
Within all of the discussion, RFA linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. has flown under the radar even if he appears to be the team’s most realistic trade option.
The Vikings Have Trade Ambitions
Coming into March, the Vikings knew that a machete was needed to chop through the financial jungle. Normal years can sometimes involve a surgeon’s scalpel for the cuts, using precision to pull off some small adjustments. Not so coming off a disappointing season and with a cap at roughly $45 million in the red.
So, the movement is twofold.
Most notable is the ongoing effort to shed salary. Next, there’s a renewed urgency to ensure that every dollar that does get spent is used wisely. Money is precious right now in the Twin Cities, meaning major money can’t go toward options who don’t make the team better.
As it relates to Pace, there’s little uncertainty about whether he makes the team better. The debate has long been settled; he’s a good player, someone capable of offering sturdy snaps on both defense and special teams.
What the Vikings can’t do, though, is send along a beefy raise for someone who will again see his playing time dwindle.
| Pace in 2023 | 17 Games, 11 Starts | 706 Snaps on Defense |
| Pace in 2024 | 11 Games, 10 Starts | 414 Snaps on Defense |
| Pace in 2025 | 17 Games, 6 Starts | 323 Snaps on Defense |
Pretty quietly, Ivan Pace had his playing time decrease as a sophomore. Few seemed to notice with things going so well in Minnesota, but the reality was taking place. Recent add Blake Cashman — smart, strong communicator, athletic — entrenched himself as the LB1 who was wearing the green dot. Pace was firmly the LB2.
Move into 2025 and the tumble continued, largely due to the explosion from Eric Wilson coinciding with the missed tackles from Pace. Pace already demonstrated issues hanging in pass coverage. Failing to shut down the opponents’ running game with strong tackling was the kiss of death.
As it relates to a trade, there needs to be two things: a buyer and a seller. Classic case of needing two to tango, as they say.
The Vikings appear very happy to be sellers for Hargrave, Allen, and Jones. All are underperforming veterans who are demanding strong paydays. Donating a 7th to the Vikings or even a late-round pick swap would get the job done.
Greenard, meanwhile, puts the Vikings in the position of a reluctant seller. A buyer needs to roll in with what’s considered a Godfather Offer, a deal that can’t be refused. Don’t count on it.
But then there’s Ivan Pace Jr.
The RFA fully deserves a nice raise. Likewise, he fully deserves a spot in a starting lineup even if that opportunity may no longer be there with the Vikings. Shipping out a 25-year-old linebacker who is unusually aggressive, relishes hitting the QB, and who has the potential to be a strong tackler makes a lot of sense.
Since an extension would need to be negotiated by the buying team, the Vikings would likely trade away Pace for a Day 3 selection. Something in the 6th, perhaps.
Minnesota would be wise to target a young, upside defender who can be multiple (defend the run, blitz, hang in coverage, disguise, get kicked out to edge). Kansas City’s Leo Chenal looks like a great fit, but the cluster of free agent talent offers up several impressive off-ball ‘backers.
Free agency gets rolling on Monday, March 9th.
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