When you have a player who is underpaid on your roster, they are usually on a rookie contract. It’s one of the many reasons why teams with a lot of draft capital can show major improvements quickly.
The Minnesota Vikings have quite a few players on team-friendly contracts right now, especially after making two first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. One of their biggest bargains was highlighted in Vinnie Iyer of The Sporting News’ all-underpaid team with inside linebacker Ivan Pace Jr.
Pace is the fresh-faced foundation of a stacked defense for DC Brian Flores thanks to his exceptional natural skills vs. the pass in coverage and pressure.
Pace went undrafted in the 2023 NFL Draft due to his profile being rather odd. He is only 5’10” and 235 lbs with his best trait being as a pass rusher. He did have 9.5 sacks in his senior season at Cincinnati after a successful start at Miami OH.
When he got to Minnesota, Pace stood out from the start during practices. He thrived as a blitzer which is what many thought he would be used as in sub packages. With poor performances from players like Brian Asamoah II, Pace became a rotational player immediately and thrived, including when Jordan Hicks went down with compartment syndrome in his leg.
Making just $921,666 this year, Pace is considerably lower than even an average linebacker. His teammate Blake Cashman is making $7 million average annual value. Being on a rookie contract is incredibly valuable and the Vikings scouting staff are helping reap the benefits.
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