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Pair of Vikings Listed on NFL\u2019s Top 101 FAs<\/p>\n
Consider a central truth that every team needs to remember: the best contracts pay for future performance, not past performance.<\/p>\n
In Nailor, the league will get to consider someone who has often demonstrated high-end talent and work ethic but hasn\u2019t ever cleared 5oo yards in a single season. A team may nevertheless see someone who is about to explode if the right opportunity arises. Likewise, Wilson is someone who offers a ton of ability, but one wonders if he can replicate \u2014 much less surpass \u2014 what he did last season<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive lineman Jalen Redmond (61) reacts with linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Consider the accompanying blurb for Jalen Nailor.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n From Rosenthal: \u201cNailor was stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and didn\u2019t have a quarterback who could throw to the middle of the field in his contract year. He has fans as a speedy slot receiver.\u201d<\/p>\n Bringing Jefferson and Addison into the mix makes sense, but note that there\u2019s a two-way street that\u2019s coming into play. Yes, the WR1 and WR2 in Minnesota stole targets, but they also stole defensive backs\u2019 attention. Nailor therefore got easier looks than if he had been the top option.<\/p>\n Plus, Nailor is more than a slot a receiver even if that ends up being his primary home in a new spot. Last season, Nailor has 382 snaps in the slot, 268 snaps out wide, 2 snaps inline, and 1 in the backfield (PFF). Some of those AFC heavyweights like Kansas City, Baltimore, and Buffalo make sense.<\/p>\n Whoever signs Jalen Nailor may end up getting a pass catcher who can win deep, pile up around 750 yards, and score 10+ touchdowns.<\/p>\n Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) celebrates after a touchdown catch with wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Eric Wilson snags a brief analysis. The Rosenthal assessment: \u201cWilson\u2019s blitzing breakout season in Brian Flores\u2019 Vikings defense was such a blast to watch that it would\u2019ve felt wrong leaving him off this list.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n First, it wasn\u2019t just blitzing as an off-ball linebacker. Wilson lined up as an edge rusher and often performed quite well despite being smaller.<\/p>\n No doubt, though, Rosenthal is correct that the explosion from Mr. Wilson was fun. What\u2019s fascinating is whether he\u2019ll be able to offer a repeat performance. If so, does he get the chance to do so in the Twin Cities?<\/p>\n The Vikings are working with a very thin linebacker spot. LB1 Blake Cashman is still around, but he\u2019s entering the final year of his contract, has battled some injury, and is going to be 30 in May.<\/p>\n Does it make sense to drop medium money into Wilson, a 31-year-old linebacker coming off a career-best season? Only if the contract pays for future play and not what was a perfect storm last year. Retaining Brian Flores makes a new deal for the veteran more likely.<\/p>\n Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson (55) celebrates after a play during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images<\/p>\n At the very top of the free agent list is QB Malik Willis<\/a>. Ending up in Minnesota would mean competing for the top job alongside J.J. McCarthy. Plenty of speculation that Willis will leave Wisconsin behind for Minnesota<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Vikings](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/a5ff80e1cd81849892ddb3243cd1479c.jpeg\"\/)
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