The Ivan Pace Jr. Verdict Is In
The Minnesota Vikings want linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. back on the 2026 depth chart, but they won’t move heaven and earth to ensure it happens. The club is using a “low tender” on Pace Jr., meaning he will cost the Vikings $3.5 million this season, and Minnesota will have the right to match any contract offered by another team.
Minnesota kept control of Pace’s future and clarified part of its 2026 linebacker plan.
It’s a curveball of sorts, as many fans expected Pace Jr. to depart this offseason.
The Vikings’ Low Tender Tells the Story on Ivan Pace Jr.
The once-promising undrafted free agent now has a path back to Minneapolis.
A “Low Tender” for Pace Jr.
The initial verdict on Pace Jr. is pretty simple: the Vikings want him back but value him little. If he leaves, it’s “no big deal.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted, “Vikings are using the low tender on restricted free agent LB Ivan Pace.”
In the NFL, the lowest-level restricted free agent (RFA) tender is a one-year qualifying offer— worth $3.547 million in 2026. As the Vikings apply the tender to Pace, they will retain the right of first refusal, enabling them to match any offer he receives from another team.
However, if Pace signs with another team, Minnesota would not receive any draft-pick compensation. In essence, this tender represents the Vikings’ minimum commitment to maintain some control over Pace’s future without a big investment.
Pace Jr.’s Time So Far in MIN
Eric Wilson’s emergence in 2025 significantly impacted the Vikings’ linebacker corps, especially for Pace Jr. Wilson seized a larger role in 2025 with consistent performance, earning Brian Flores‘ trust and a higher spot in the linebacker hierarchy. Consequently, players behind Pace Jr. saw reduced playing time.
Pace’s decline stemmed partly from missed tackles early in the season, which provided Wilson an opportunity to showcase his pizazz. Once Wilson established himself, the depth chart became inflexible, limiting Pace’s chances to regain his position.
This shift stalled Pace’s career momentum. After starting 27 games in 2023 and 2024 and achieving a commendable 77.1 Pro Football Focus grade as a rookie, his performance in 2025 dipped to 42.3 by 2025, dampening discussions of a monster contract extension.
Despite this setback, the Vikings now retain control over Pace’s future. As a restricted free agent this offseason, Minnesota can control his next steps with the low tender.
Eric Wilson Back, Too
Not for nothing, Wilson is back, as well.
Vikings.com’s Lindsey Young announced Monday, “Eric Wilson is remaining in Minnesota. The Vikings have agreed to terms with the linebacker on a multiyear deal, the team announced Monday.”
“Wilson, 31, put up career numbers last season, racking up 6.5 sacks (3.0 being his previous season high), 10 QB hits, four forced fumbles and a whopping 17 tackles for loss. His prior benchmark on the latter was eight in 2020. Wilson’s 108 tackles on defense ranked second on the team behind Blake Cashman, who recorded 144.”
Minnesota’s offseason intrigue at inside linebacker dipped in a matter of minutes.
Depth Could Be Good to Go
The Vikings are now “running it back” at linebacker, ensuring Wilson isn’t leaving and applying the tender to Pace Jr.’s free agency.
Last summer, Minnesota rolled into head coach Kevin O’Connell’s fourth season with Cashman, Wilson, and Pace Jr. at the top of the ticket. If no team touches Pace Jr.’s tender, the Vikings will roll into 2026 with [checks notes] Cashman, Wilson, and Pace Jr. at the top of the ticket.
It’s also worth noting that Minnesota could use a meaningful draft pick on a linebacker. The Vikings have nine picks on tap for April, an impressive total compared to last year’s five.
Keep an Eye on the Commanders for the Tender Match
If Pace Jr.’s low tender draws interest from other teams, the Washington Commanders could be a potential suitor.
The connection is clear: Washington’s new defensive coordinator, Daronte Jones, previously served as the Vikings’ defensive passing game coordinator under Flores. Having spent two seasons developing Pace Jr., Jones knows the linebacker well, and this familiarity could easily translate into Washington’s interest in adding speed and range to their linebacker corps.
Jones witnessed Pace’s impressive 2023 and 2024 seasons, during which the young defender played aggressively and earned a starting role. Coordinators often advocate for players they already trust, making this a situation worth monitoring.
Adding to the intrigue is Washington’s current linebacker situation. Bobby Wagner is a 35-year-old free agent, and Frankie Luvu is approaching 30. While both offer experience, the position group lacks youthful energy.
This creates an opportunity for a younger linebacker with starting experience, a description that fits Pace perfectly, should the Commanders pursue him.
Pace Jr. turned 25 in December.
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