March 5, 2026, 7:09 p.m. CT
Jalen Nailor is one of the Minnesota Vikings‘ biggest draft hits since the 2022 season. The 27-year-old receiver has come a long way since being drafted 191st overall in the draft.
Nicknamed “Speedy”, Nailor cemented himself as a solid WR3 for the Vikings over the past two seasons. He caught 57 passes for 858 yards and ten touchdowns in that time. If Minnesota had better quarterback play, Nailor could have had an even better season in 2025.
But Nailor is set to be a free agent, and Alec Lewis of The Athletic believes that the receiver will have plenty of suitors.
More than 10 teams are eyeing Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor, according to league sources. Nailor recently turned 27 and will be one of the more coveted free-agent wide receivers next week. Even though he has caught only 69 NFL passes and never reached 450 yards in a season, multiple evaluators think he has the potential to become a priority signing.
Lewis says the Vikings don’t want to lose him, but they are already tight against the salary cap. One NFC executive told Lewis he could see Nailor “producing an 80-catch season in the near future.”
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That could put Nailor in the market for a three-year deal in the $12-15 million range, Lewis says. Given that Minnesota “isn’t likely” to spend big on a receiver, Nailor’s time as a Viking may have come to an end. Fortunately, Minnesota still has Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. If they get better quarterback play, the offense can return to its explosive level from before.
However, it seems highly likely the offense won’t feature Nailor, as he moves on in 2026.