Vikings Receiver Sounds Like He’s Ready to Leave
Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor isn’t likely to stick around in Minnesota. He appears to understand as much.
The team’s WR3 chatted with the media on Monday. Predictably, Nailor was asked about his status given that he’s moving into free agency. The answers that got offered didn’t sound like ones from those of a player who is sticking around. In fact, Nailor sounded quite tepid and lukewarm about ongoing employment in Minnesota.
Vikings Receiver Jalen Nailor Sounds Like a Goner
In March, Mr. Nailor will turn 27. The receiver will move into his fifth NFL season at neither young nor old and with plenty of on-field experience in tow.
Nicknamed Speedy, Jalen Nailor averages an explosive 15.4 yards per catch in his career. Note, as well, that he has scored 11 touchdowns across his 69 catches. Some team out there is going to see the explosiveness and the scoring before concluding that the former 6th-Rounder has upside aplenty.
Is ongoing employment with the Vikings upcoming for Jalen Nailor?
Maybe Nailor’s personality is more restrained and understated, but his response to the question of coming back was surprising enough. After all, he’s “just waiting to see where this offseason is heading.” As it relates to wanting to come back, Nailor says he “wouldn’t mind.”
Again, remember the personality angle. Nailor could be quiet and restrained in his disposition. Maybe that’s all this is even as the answers are odd given how commonly players articulate love for working in Minnesota.
Upon considering potentially leaving his teammates behind, Nailor said that he hasn’t thought about the possibility too much. He did say, though, that he’s looking forward to free agency and is excited about what’s to come: “It’s going to be a pretty interesting offseason, but I’m just excited for what’s to come.”
For his deployment, Nailor soaked up 382 snaps in the slot alongside 268 snaps out wide (PFF). So, too, were there two snaps inline (think tight end) and he was in the backfield for a snap. These opportunities led to 29 receptions for 444 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Vikings currently have a cap deficit that’s worse than $40 million. The current estimate on Over the Cap has the Vikings a touch above $46 million in the red. As a result, Minnesota will struggle to give Jalen Nailor the raise he so clearly deserves.
By the time the dust settles on the offseason, the Vikings appear likely to push through 2026 without any of the ten draftees from the 2022 draft class still on the roster. The only player who has fully earned an extension — WR3 Jalen Nailor — looks to be too pricey.
