Minnesota Vikings
Getty
MINNEAPOLIS, 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)
The “legal tampering” period for the Vikings and the rest of the NFL begins on Monday at noon EST.
The Vikings have already made one major decision on their own roster. Last night, they decided to re-up on LB Eric Wilson’s contract.
Wilson’s new deal is worth up to $22.5 million over 3 years. He will receive a guarantee of $12.5 million. Minnesota has also decided to release Jonathan Hargrave, Aaron Jones and Jonathan Allen. T.J. Hockenson was restructured.
Now ahead of the opening of the free agency flood gates, a decision on LB Ivan Pace Jr. has been made.
Vikings Place Low Tender On LB Ivan Pace Jr.
Minnesota 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)
A lot of people expected Pace Jr. to be free to walk this offseason after Eric Wilson stole his job in 2025. As it turns out, it won’t be that cut-and-dry.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news on X.
“Vikings are using the low tender on restricted free agent LB Ivan Pace.”
This gives the Vikings the right of refusal to match an offer sheet for the LB. Tyler Forness laid out what it means if no one comes to Pace with an offer.
“Unless someone signs him to an offer sheet, Ivan Pace Jr. will cost $3.52 million on the salary cap.”
For now, Pace Jr. remains a Minnesota Viking. The Vikings hold the leverage in his negotiations. If Pace Jr. is to remain with Minnesota on top of Wilson’s extension, the Vikings could look to take the linebacker position off their list of draft needs in April.
More information will be shared on Pace Jr.’s contract situation as soon as its made available.