The Minnesota Vikings have built up a solid core of players that is expected to compete for a championship in the upcoming seasons. But while building the roster, the Vikings also got cap-compliant, giving them financial flexibility as their championship window opens.
Which of their young core players should be re-signed when the 2026 offseason arrives? Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report says that Ivan Pace, Jr., a third-year undrafted linebacker who will be a restricted free agent next year, should be the Vikings’ top internal target.
Brian Flores has built a front seven in Minnesota that is hell for opposing offenses. The Vikings have done a good job of identifying and developing talent that fits what they like to do and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is the embodiment of that.
He was added as an undrafted free agent. He plays with the exact kind of edge you’d expect from someone who had to earn a role as a UDFA. He carried the third-highest pass-rush grade from any linebacker, according to PFF, last season. He was also top 15 against the run.
He’ll only be a restricted free agent next offseason, but Minnesota would be wise to lock him into a longer deal.
Pace has started 28 games in two seasons with the Vikings, generating 5.5 sacks, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries, one going for a touchdown. PFF has given him season-long grades of 77.1 in 2023 and 63.0 in 2024, as he was fighting a hamstring injury during the year.
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His pass-rush grades have been high, grading at 78.0 as a rookie and 83.9 last season. As an off-ball linebacker, Pace likely won’t command a top-dollar contract that will hamstring the salary cap. He brings a unique skillset to a unique defense, so re-signing him makes plenty of sense.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Which Viking is a priority to re-sign heading into the 2026 season?