The Minnesota Vikings sought elite talent in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, but a more cost-effective route delivered them a rising star just one offseason earlier.
Neither the Vikings nor any of the other 31 NFL teams deemed linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. draft-worthy out of the University of Cincinnati in 2023, but they were all mistaken. On May 13, Zoltán Buday of Pro Football Focus (PFF) named Pace the Vikings’ most underrated player going into his second season, following an impressive rookie year.
“Pace emerged as an undrafted rookie in 2023, ranking as the third-highest-graded linebacker in the NFL after three weeks,” Buday noted. “Despite a slight decline in performance and reduced playing time, he continued to excel in pass plays. Pace was one of only two linebackers to achieve PFF grades over 77.0 in both coverage and pass rush, alongside Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers.”
Vikings Have Ivan Pace Jr. on Favorable Contract for Multiple Years
Pace also impressed with his traditional stats in Minnesota last season. The now 23-year-old linebacker recorded 109 total tackles, 9 QB hits, 2.5 sacks, 2 pass breakups, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, and an interception, according to Pro Football Reference.
While Pace’s advanced analytics were comparable to those of Fred Warner, their salaries are vastly different. Warner is on a five-year, $95 million contract, whereas Pace is on a rookie deal worth even less than a late-round pick.
As an undrafted free agent, Pace signed a three-year rookie contract worth $2.715 million, keeping him with the Vikings through the 2025 season. This contract represents significant value for the team, and he will enter restricted free agency afterward, which offers several advantages for the Vikings.
Ivan Pace Jr.’s Status as Undrafted Player Affords Vikings Options, Value on His Deal
The Vikings can make a qualifying offer to Pace, setting his salary based on the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NFL and its players’ union (NFLPA).
Pace will then have about five weeks to negotiate an offer sheet with other teams. However, the Vikings have the right to match any offer due to restricted free agency rules, giving them the first right of refusal, according to NFL.com.
If the Vikings choose not to match an offer sheet for Pace, they will receive a compensatory draft pick, another benefit of an undrafted player excelling. Additionally, the Vikings could use the franchise tag or designate Pace as their transition player in 2026 if necessary.
Finding valuable undrafted talent is challenging, but it is crucial for successful NFL team-building, transitioning to a younger roster on rookie deals.
Therefore, even first-round picks in 2024, such as quarterback J.J. McCarthy (No. 10 overall) and edge rusher Dallas Turner (No. 17 overall), present high-level value for the Vikings, promising a strong future in the competitive NFC North Division.
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