The Minnesota Vikings will have some work to do this offseason. After missing the playoffs in 2025, they are circled with questions regarding the future direction of the franchise.
Tough decisions are expected to be made. Names like Aaron Jones, T.J. Hockenson, and Ryan Kelly are popular names that come up in conversation about cut and trade candidates.
There are is one name, however, that flies a bit under the radar, and has an expiring contract as the 2025 league year ends. It is a player whom lost his starting role to a 2025 free agency acquisition by a team. It serves as disappointment, as this player was a once-promising prospect signed as a UDFA to the Vikings after the 2023 NFL Draft.
Ivan Pace Jr. Seems Unlikely to Extend with Vikings
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive coordinator Brian Flores of the Minnesota Vikings talks with Ivan Pace Jr. #0 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The fall for Ivan Pace Jr. began back in October against the Philadelphia Eagles when he didn’t register a single defensive snap for the Vikings. This came as LB Blake Cashman returned from injury. Additionally, Eric Wilson forced his way into more opportunities with his impressive play on the field to that point.
A snippet from Joe Nelson of Sports Illustrated in October put it in a bit more detail:
“Ivan Pace Jr. has been a mainstay in Minnesota’s defense in virtually every game since he made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2023, but his status as a starter came to a crashing halt Sunday in the Vikings’ 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Not only did Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson start at inside linebacker, but Pace watched most of the game from the sideline, failing to register a single defensive snap. He was only on the field during special teams.”
In the games since his benching, he has only registered 73 total defensive snaps. In those snaps, he has only totaled 4 tackles, 1 QB hit, and 2 QB hurries.
A Likely Potential Landing Spot for Pace Jr.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 20: Ivan Pace Jr. #0 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with teammates after returning a fumble for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Ivan Pace Jr. could have a couple of potential suitors this offseason if the Vikings do go the expected route of allowing him to walk to free agency. Pace’s strength comes defending the run, and there are some teams out there that could use his services.
The team that seems too obvious to sign him is the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals run defense in 2025 so far is abysmal, allowing 157.9 yards per game. That’s the worst mark in the league.
To put the cherry on top, Ivan Pace Jr. played his college ball at the University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati also just so happens to be his hometown, and he played his high school ball at Colerain, located in the city of Cincinnati.
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