The Minnesota Vikings could be forced into a corner on a certain WR on the depth chart this offseason.
It’s not because of anything bad, however. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, of course, form one of the best receiving duos in the NFL today. There has been questions about WR3 to support them in recent seasons to support them, but those questions may now come to rest.
Vikings Have to Make Decision on Jalen Nailor in 2026
GettyJalen Nailor #83 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates a second quarter touchdown with teammates against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 29.
Vikings Territory‘s Dustin Baker shared a snippet about Jalen Nailor, praising his improved play with J.J. McCarthy:
“The coaching staff has quietly believed in Nailor for years, pounding the table behind the scenes even when the numbers lagged. Now it’s finally showing up. He’s sharper, more reliable, and clearly operating with a different level of confidence. This isn’t theoretical upside anymore — he’s turned a corner.
That matters even more with McCarthy. Through eight starts, the rookie’s growth has come with the expected uneven moments, and cutting loose one of the few receivers he clearly trusts would feel reckless. Quarterbacks remember who shows up when things are hard.”
Nailor has put the Vikings in a tough spot. With their only selection on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, they selected Maryland WR Tai Felton. The high draft capital used on him painted a likelihood that he would eventually become the WR3 for the Vikings.
However, in a contract year, Jalen Nailor has put a stranglehold on the position.
Jalen Nailor’s Presence May Be Required in Minnesota
GettyVikings wide receivers Jalen Nailor (83) and Justin Jefferson (18) celebrate a Week 2 touchdown against the 49ers during the 2024 season.
Baker touched on the potential cost of keeping Nailor around in 2026.
“Nailor’s next contract range is debateable. The Vikings could hand him a second-contract ‘prove-it’ deal, in the ballpark of $8 million to $12 million. It could also lock up Nailor as one of ‘their guys,’ similar to TE2 Josh Oliver in the last few seasons. In that case, Nailor could bank a contract in the neighborhood of three years and $36 million.
Remember, the NFL free-agent market resets annually, and if you have a number in mind for a certain player, add a couple of million.
Nailor must also finish the season strong. Tallying something like 30 yards in the next three games will not help his cause, not one bit.”
Jalen Nailor is coming off of a two touchdown performance in Dallas this past Sunday. On the season he has totaled 26 catches for 395 and 4 touchdowns. These numbers don’t jump off of the page.
However, seeing as he has outperformed Justin Jefferson in multiple games this season, his chemistry with J.J. McCarthy may be the key for his renewal with the Vikings.
Time will tell if Minnesota wants to retain Nailor this offseason via an extension, or if they feel confident enough in Tai Felton to take on that role next year.
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