The Vikings’ linebacker room has changed enough this offseason that Ivan Pace suddenly looks vulnerable.
Minnesota should have one of the NFL’s better defenses again this year, and Brian Flores still has the kind of scheme that keeps this unit difficult to deal with. But even with the group largely intact from a season ago, two additions at linebacker have put Pace in a shaky spot heading toward the 2026 season.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report identified Pace as the Vikings player who “should cut” this summer, pointing to the arrivals of Jake Golday and Jamal Adams. Moton noted, “This offseason, Minnesota selected Jake Golday in the second round of the draft and signed Jamal Adams, who converted from safety to linebacker with the Las Vegas Raiders last season," Moton writes. "After losing a starting job, Pace should be on high alert with the addition of Golday and Adams to the linebacker room."
That warning carries weight because Pace already slid out of the starting lineup last season. Flores went with Eric Wilson instead, and Pace finished the year on the outside looking in.
The numbers weren’t disastrous, but they didn’t exactly make his case stronger. In 17 games, Pace posted 62 tackles, one sack, six QB hits and two tackles for loss. The biggest concern was his 11.4% missed tackle rate, which was the highest of his career.
He made only six starts, and with the 25-year-old set to reach free agency next offseason, his long-term place in Minnesota is far from secure.
Golday comes in as a major second-round investment, while Adams brings a more intriguing depth option that Flores may be able to maximize. For now, Cashman and Wilson sit atop the depth chart.
That leaves Pace in an awkward middle ground. He could still be useful depth, but the Vikings have enough linebacker talent that moving on is a real possibility before the 2026 season.
A trade would make more sense than a straight release if Minnesota can find a partner. If not, a cut could be the outcome.
There’s also the practice squad angle, with Pace able to return as emergency depth if the Vikings need help later on. For now, though, his spot is far from secure, and Moton’s take makes clear he’s one of the more interesting players to watch this preseason.
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