Vikings WR Faces Contract Year Crossroads in 2025
Realistically speaking, a contract season is exactly what Jalen Nailor is entering for the Minnesota Vikings. He was a 6th-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and his rookie contract will expire after this year. A contract season in the form of production inducing a payday is what we’re after, though, and Nailor needs every bit of that to happen.
WR Jalen Nailor is in line to be the Minnesota Vikings’ third wide receiver again, but can he produce at a higher rate in a contract year?
In his rookie and sophomore seasons, Nailor had to compete with K.J. Osborn for playing time. He was also up against himself and his own body. After playing in 15 games as a rookie, he appeared in just six games during his second year. Injuries began to become the narrative for the former Michigan State standout.
With a clean bill of health last year, and Osborn having departed in free agency, the door was opened for Nailor. He responded by holding down the third wide receiver job and starting seven of the 17 games he played in. He found the end zone six times and hauled in 414 yards’ worth of passes.
Vikings WR Jalen Nailor Is Scheduled to Hit Free Agency Next March
It was a solid output for a guy playing behind both Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nailor was never going to be asked to play a starring role, but he needed to serve as a security blanket for veteran quarterback Sam Darnold. For the most part, he accomplished that. The problem is that when he didn’t, it was more than evident.
It’s great that Nailor found paydirt six times. There was ample opportunity for it to be more than that, though. He struggled to hang on in the red zone on multiple occasions, and his route-running ability didn’t leave room for error when it came to his hands or separation.
This is now a pivotal juncture in Nailor’s career. He should have an additional opportunity if Jordan Addison is suspended for a period. That could also expose him substantially if he is thrust into an expanded role he is incapable of handling.
There are also talents behind Nailor that should push him this season. Veteran Rondale Moore was signed for special teams purposes, but he is capable of working in the passing game. So too is rookie Tai Felton. It may take the Maryland product some time to acclimate, but he’ll quickly have his sights set on Nailor’s role.
It seems unlikely the Vikings will be the team to pay Nailor next season. That sets him up for a sizable opportunity to capitalize as a free agent. Rather than bouncing around as Osborn did in his first season after Minnesota, you can bet Nailor would like to find a lucrative deal and grow roots there.
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