This season, the Minnesota Vikings are playing defense on a tight budget, and they appear to have found a steal in linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. In May,
the team signed the undrafted free agent from Cincinnati. Pace had 137 tackles, 10 sacks, four pass breakups, and three fumbles during his last collegiate season in 2022, according to Football Reference.
Pace agreed to a three-year, $2.7 million contract with Minnesota, with $236,000 guaranteed. Pace received significant
preseason work due to a shoulder injury that delayed second-year linebacker and projected starter Brian Asamoah II, making the trade appear to be a steal so far.
Pace has an opportunity to make an impact in the middle of the Vikings defense, especially under new defensive coordinator Brian Flores,
who is known for his aggressive scheme.On Thursday, August 31, Bleacher Report's Maurice Moton selected
Pace as one of a handful of undrafted free agents likely to make the largest impact in 2023.Pace has the skills and may be given the opportunity
to play three down linebacker in Flores' new system, according to Moton.Pace had 21 sacks throughout his NCAA career and also showed some coverage skills,
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