RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Vikings 'should cut' fourth-year LB after two key offseason additions originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Minnesota Vikings are sure to have one of the NFL's best defenses this upcoming season. Brian Flores does a fantastic job at leading a defense, and this year's unit should be no different.
It's a defense that, for the most part, is the same as it was a year ago. But two notable additions in the linebacker room could spell bad news for a fourth-year veteran ahead of the 2026 season.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report called out veteran LB Ivan Pace as the player the Vikings "should cut" this summer, and for two simple reasons: two new linebackers and Pace's lost starting job.
Vikings' Ivan Pace might lose a roster spot due to two offseason moves
"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."
Pace was benched last season by Flores in favor of Eric Wilson. That alone is reason to believe his roster status might be up in the air.
In 17 games, Pace had 62 tackles and one sack with six QB hits and two tackles for loss. The real issue was his 11.4% missed tackle rate, the highest of his career.
Pace lost his starting job and made just six starts total last season. The 25-year-old linebacker is set to hit free agency next offseason as well, so there's some real uncertainty about his Vikings future.
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Golday is a significant investment in the second round, and Adams is a high-upside depth addition that Flores should be able to get the most out of.
Cashman and Wilson are the starters, at least for now. While Pace might be decent depth, the Vikings could realistically look to move on from him ahead of the 2026 season.
Their current LB depth chart is strong, and it would still be in a decent spot even if they cut Pace. Ideally, the Vikings trade him rather than strictly release him. But if they can't find a taker, a release might be in store.
The undrafted free agent could always come back to the practice squad as well, acting as emergency depth in case of a linebacker injury or some very poor play.
Moton believes the Vikings should cut Pace, and he's certainly a player worth keeping an eye on this preseason. Pace could be on the move shortly, as his future is very much uncertain after losing his starting job and the additions of Adams and Golday.
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