Pace logged 102 tackles (63 solo), 2.5 sacks, two passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble and recovery during his rookie campaign.
Pace made the Vikings' 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati and was ultimately able to win a spot as one of the team's two starting inside linebackers, as he earned a larger role as the season progressed. The 23-year-old is under contract for two more seasons and should be back in 2024 working to build on his successful rookie campaign.
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Vikings' Ivan Pace: Leading tackler in loss
Rotowire
Pace had a game-high 12 tackles (five solo) in Sunday's 33-10 loss to the Packers.
After playing just 30 snaps a week ago, Pace played all 74 defensive snaps in Sunday's loss. He reached double-digit tackles for the second time this season. Pace has 93 tackles over 16 games, fourth on the Vikings in that category.
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Vikings' Ivan Pace: Active Sunday
Rotowire
Pace (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions.
Pace appeared on the injury report Friday despite practicing on a limited basis. The starting inside linebacker has yet to miss a game this season and he has not even missed a defensive snap over the past four games. The rookie has 77 tackles, two passes defensed, an interception and a forced fumble in 2023.
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Vikings' Ivan Pace: Moves into starting lineup
Rotowire
Pace started at middle linebacker and had eight total tackles with a half sack in Thursday's loss at Philadelphia.
Pace, an undrafted rookie from Cincinnati, moved into a starting role, and his snap count increased (to playing on 80 percent of the defensive snaps up from 68 percent in Week 1) . He had an impact in the pass rush with a half sack and two quarterback hurries.
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Vikings' Ivan Pace: Eight tackles in NFL debut
Rotowire
Pace had eight total tackles in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay.
Pace didn't start at linebacker, but the undrafted rookie from Cincinnati was one of the team's top defenders and could push for more playing time. Pace played on 46 of the defense's 68 snaps while Brian Asamoah played just two snaps on defense. It looks like Pace has essentially taken over the top linebacker role opposite Jordan Hicks when the Vikings utilize two linebackers. He was effective in the pass rush (one QB hit) and pass coverage (only allowed 11 yards on two receptions against him, according to Pro Football Focus).
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Vikings' Ivan Pace: Look set for roster spot
Rotowire
Pace is beyond competing for a roster spot and has the chance to play defensive snaps right away, head coach Kevin O'Connell told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Pace is an undrafted free agent from Cincinnati who had an impressive spring and preseason. He could earn more playing time at inside linebacker at the expense of Brian Asamoah, especially against the run.
