Things weren’t looking great for Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr. heading into training camp. Yes, the team did low-tender him for $3 million. However, there were some signs that he might not make the cut for 2026.
The Vikings extended Eric Wilson, who straight-up took Pace’s job last season. On top of that, they drafted LB Jake Golday in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The bow on top is that the Vikings can just release Pace and recoup their $3 million right back.
However, Ivan Pace Jr. is having a decent showing at camp. It’s not quite the camp that Tai Felton or Charles Demmings is having, but it’s solid nonetheless.
Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr. Has Been ‘All Over the Field’ in Training Camp
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)
Jason Harmon of Vikings On SI named Ivan Pace Jr. as a “non-QB standout” in camp so far. He provided some context on this.
“Pace will have to show out in camp to stick around, and so far he’s been all over the field. He pressured J.J. McCarthy on Saturday on a play that would have resulted in a sack if J.J. wasn’t donning a red jersey. Today, he blew up an outside run to the left for a loss and got to the quarterbacks for multiple pressures.”
Harmon then emphasized that Ivan Pace Jr. will have to “stack days” if he wants to make the roster. This would be a much better outcome than many expected, as his name was at the top of many people’s cut-candidate lists.
Ivan Pace Jr. may never be a true game-wrecker, but he does bring a little value in the run game and in pushing the pocket. However, his game just isn’t as well-rounded as Wilson’s, and possibly not Jake Golday’s either.
WR Tai Felton Could Be Leading ‘Mr. Mankato’ Race
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 08: Tai Felton #13 of the Minnesota Vikings looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 08, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Tyler Forness of AtoZ Sports shared his two cents on Felton’s training camp so far.
“The Minnesota Vikings might have an emerging star on their hands, and it was one nobody expected. Second-year wide receiver Tai Felton has been one of the standout players through the first week of training camp, launching himself into the Mr. Mankato conversation…
…The fact that Felton has special teams acumen on top of his offensive development is a bonus. When we’re talking about Mr. Mankato, Felton may be the No. 1 candidate. That sounds crazy, but it shouldn’t feel crazy. Felton is a dude, and he keeps showing it.”
The news about Felton is very exciting, as many had already given up on him. Still, the Vikings are giving him plenty of opportunity in camp. Alongside CB Charles Demmings, Felton is one of the big stories of Vikings training camp.
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