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MN Vikings Place “Low Tender” on Young Defender
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- MN Vikings Place “Low Tender” on Young Defender
Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Now just days away from the new league year starting on Wednesday March 11, the legal tampering period begins today. At 11am CT teams can begin to have limited contact with unrestricted free agents.
The Minnesota Vikings continue to sort out their plans as they revamp the roster going into 2026. There were multiple restructures and cuts necessary to get cap compliant, but now they can start looking to add.
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Rob Brzezinski wrapped up a new deal for breakout linebacker Eric Wilson . He also made a decision on Ivan Pace Jr. , the guy whose job he took.
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This offseason Ivan Pace Jr. was set to be a free agent , but the Minnesota Vikings control his restricted rights. Rather than let him hit the open market without a designation, they place a low-tender on him.
Vikings are using the low tender on restricted free agent LB Ivan Pace.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
This designation allows the MN Vikings first right of refusal should another team sign Pace to an offer sheet. However, by using the low tender, the team would not be in line for draft pick compensation should they opt against matching another team's offer sheet.
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The low tender salary should check in around $3.5 million for 2026 if he is back with the Vikings. That would be a nice boost to the $2.715 million he made in total over the past three seasons.
It remains to be seen what kind of market there will be for Pace. He is hitting free agency after losing his starting role, and already was scrutinized coming out of the draft. If a team knew they were getting the breakout rookie version, a more robust collection of suitors would be projectable.
MN Vikings saw Ivan Pace Jr slide
An undrafted free agent in 2023 , Pace broke onto the scene and went from an afterthought to the green dot on defense. He had 102 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery as a rookie.
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Unfortunately Pace played in just 11 games during 2024 and missed time due to injury. Last season he was supposed to be paired with Blake Cashman while Eric Wilson served as depth. Instead it took just five weeks until the veteran took his job and didn't give it back.
Despite playing in all 17 games last year, Pace saw his defensive snap count dip to just 30% (down from 59% in 2024), and was relegated to special teams 75% of the time. He finished with a career low 62 tackles and just one sack.
Ideally Pace would be a rebound candidate for Minnesota, and hedge the aging complications for Wilson. At just 25 years old, there's plenty of opportunity for Pace to reinvigorate the longevity of his career.
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