Jan. 30, 2026, 3:48 p.m. CT

The Minnesota Vikings have quite a handful of pending free agents this offseason. A number of these players could easily walk, a few who could be re-signed, and others who definitely need to come back in 2026. However, who those players are depends on who you ask.

According to ESPN, there is one player in particular who is going to be a struggle to make a decision on. 

Wide receiver Jalen Nailor is hitting free agency this offseason, and he has a chance to make some decent money given his 2025 production. Nailor was tied with Josh Oliver for the top spot on the Vikings in touchdowns. What is intriguing about him as a free agent is that he averaged 15.3 yards per reception, which would put him tied for 8th in the NFL if he qualified by number of receptions. The talent is there, but these numbers show he just needs the reps. His frame lends him to being a slot receiver for another team, but which team could that be? 

With uncertainty surrounding Jordan Addison, there’s a real case to be made that Jalen Nailor returns to the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. However, his value on the open market is up for interpretation. If Addison walks, Nailor could be elevated to the WR2 spot for this team, but Minnesota could also go out in the 2026 NFL Draft and make this position a priority for J.J. McCarthy, should they keep him as the starter for 2026.

There are many questions that need answering, and Nailor’s return to Minnesota is one of them. 

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