NFL free agency is in full swing for the 2026 season, and even though teams and players aren’t able to sign on the dotted line until Wednesday, March 11, deals are still being made. On Monday, March 9, the Las Vegas Raiders snagged a former Minnesota Viking to add to their evolving roster.
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor is heading to Vegas. The Raiders signed him on a three year, $35 million deal including $23 million guaranteed, according Ken Sarnoff and Joe DiBenedetto of 1 Of 1 Agency, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Followers were quick to praise the Raiders for the move. “He’s so underrated good for him,” one said as a response to Schefter’s post. Another noted, “$23M guaranteed shows the Raiders are serious about giving Nailor a real opportunity.”
Jalen Nailor Was Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings From Michigan State University in 2022
Nailor, a Michigan State University product, was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the sixth round, 191st overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. He was a key player for the Vikings on offense during the 2025-26 season, notching career-highs with 29 receptions for 444 yards and four touchdowns, appearing in all 17 games.
In a March 9 feature for ESPN on the NFL’s top 100 free agent, Matt Bowen sang Nailor’s praises.
“Nailor is more than willing to work the middle of the field, and he has the foot quickness to separate on out-breaking routes,” he noted. “With the ability to line up inside or outside, he has proved himself as a solid No. 3 option. He averaged 15.3 yards per catch and scored three touchdowns in 2025.”
The official NFL website’s free agent ranking had him at No. 70, stating, “Nailor was stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison and didn’t have a quarterback who could throw to the middle of the field in his contract year. He has fans as a speedy slot receiver.”
In a feature for Fox Sports, Greg Auman, Ben Arthur, Henry McKenna, Eric Williams and Ralph Vacchiano discuss the available free agents. They predicted Nailor would go to the Saints, so they got this one wrong.
“I don’t think the Saints are going to extend themselves financially this offseason — not when they’re already $44 million over the cap,” they stated in the piece. “But a guy like Nailor is compelling, given what he might be able to do with a bigger role in New Orleans.”
They added, “With Kellen Moore and Tyler Shough showing promise at the end of last year, Nailor might see New Orleans as a place where he can realize his potential, perhaps even on a one-year, prove-it deal.”
At this year’s NFL Combine, Alec Lewis of The Athletic gathered information on Nailor and made it sound like the Vikings wanted to keep him.
“More than 10 teams are eyeing Vikings receiver Jalen Nailor, according to league sources,” he stated. “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.”
He added, “The Vikings don’t want to lose Nailor. The coaches — especially receivers coach Keenan McCardell — have watched him progress into one of their best developmental stories. He can absorb a complex playbook. He is a willing run blocker. He possesses vertical speed, and he displays separation ability, too.”
Vikings Lose $35 Million Talent to AFC Team in Free Agency