Ivan Pace: Everything you need to know

Pace signed a one-year contract with the Vikings on Monday. No organization submitted a better offer sheet for Pace's services in the restricted free agency window. As such, the linebacker has signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract to remain with the Vikings through the 2026 season. The 25-year-old was a reliable depth piece in 2025, playing heavy snaps to start the year before returning to the reserve role that he will likely maintain in 2026.

Pace ended the 2025 regular season with 62 tackles (34 solo), including 1.0 sacks, over 17 games with the Vikings. Pace started the season with a high defensive snap share due to the absence of Blake Cashman, who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1. As the season continued, the linebacker saw diminished defensive snaps. The 25-year-old will enter the 2026 season as a restricted free agent. The Vikings will have a chance to provide the undrafted free agent linebacker with an offer for the 2026 season and beyond. If the team does not make such an offer, Pace will be able to freely sign with any franchise in 2026.

Pace started at middle linebacker in a three-linebacker formation and had four total tackles and a QB hit in Thursday's loss at the Chargers. Pace didn't play a snap on defense the prior week as he was limited to special teams with the return of Blake Cashman from injury. However, Pace returned to play on 17 of the defene's 72 snaps, including the opening formation. It looks he's still behind Cashman and Eric Wilson for playing time at linebacker, but will still be used in certain formations.