Ivan Pace Jr.

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		45	236	6.5	2
2025		17	62	1.0	0
2024		11	72	3.0	1
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This signing grades out as a slight overpay for the Minnesota Vikings — the team is getting approximately what they're paying for in on-field production. Ivan's on-field performance ranks in the lower half among NFL LBs, grading him as a rotational player at the position. His $3.5M average annual value ranks as below-market money for the LB market. The production lines up closely with the price tag — rotational player production at below-market money, which is essentially paying fair market value. Ivan is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract.

Performance Analysis

Ivan Pace Jr. grades at a D as an undrafted linebacker who has been a pleasant surprise for the Vikings over three seasons. His 236 tackles and 6.5 sacks across 45 games is strong production for a player nobody expected to make an NFL roster, let alone become a consistent starter. The 12.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions show a well-rounded linebacker who contributes against both the run and pass. Pace played all 17 games in 2025 after being limited to 11 in 2024, bouncing back to the form that made him a revelation in his 2023 rookie campaign. The D grade feels a bit harsh for a player with this kind of trajectory — his production suggests a potential leap into C or B territory if Minnesota's defense continues to improve around him.

Fan Sentiment

A smart, value-oriented retention of a proven Vikings linebacker on a one-year deal. Five headlines confirm this as a low-risk re-signing reporters view favorably. The strongest signal: 27 starts as a Viking demonstrates real, proven production at the NFL level. Fans appreciate keeping a reliable, homegrown contributor without breaking the bank. Pace figures to anchor the linebacker rotation again in 2026 barring a better free-agent option emerging.