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Former Minnesota Vikings wideout Jalen Nailor decided that it was in his best interest to continue his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders.
During the Silver and Black’s spending spree in free agency, they signed Nailor to a three-year, $35 million deal that includes $23 million guaranteed, per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Nailor isn’t a No. 1 wide receiver, but he’s a reliable No. 3 and will look to prove it with an expanded role, potentially becoming a No. 2 wideout. The 27-year-old recorded 69 receptions for 1,066 yards and 11 touchdowns across 55 games with the Vikings, per StatMuse.
In an interview with Paul Gutierrez, Nailor, who played high school football at Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas, explained his decision to leave the Vikings for the Raiders this offseason.
“Just the job that [Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak] has done throughout his whole career, and the guys that he has on his staff, it’s a very renowned coaching staff, and they have a lot of wisdom and experience behind them,” Nailor said in a March 13 video posted on the Raiders’ YouTube channel. “That played a major role, and I just love what Kubiak does with his offense.”
Moreover, after being the No. 3 guy behind the guy in Minnesota, it appears Nailor is ready for a bigger leadership and on-field impact role.
“I think I fit great here,” Nailor added. “To be a veteran type of guy in the receiver room and just the type of player I am, I know that I can make an impact for this organization. I’m ready to make it happen.”
Jalen Nailor Talks Playing Aside Minnesota’s Wideout Duo
Nailor also shared what he learned from Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison during his time with the Vikings as he embarks to be a leader in his own right with the Raiders.
“Just the way these guys work day in and day out, the route tricks they have and the sauce they put into their routes, finishing after the catch, everything,” Nailor said. “Those are two great guys, and I’m glad I was able to spend four years with Justin and three with Jordan.
“I wish nothing but the best for them, and I’ve picked up a couple tricks from them that I’ve been trying to work on and implement into my game to advance myself.”
Vikings Expected to Be Playoff Team With Kyler Murray
As for the Vikings, they have added a new QB to their depth chart in Kyler Murray. Despite losing Nailor, Minnesota is seen as a potential playoff team this upcoming 2026 season, especially if Murray wins the starting job and remains healthy.
With Murray now in the fold, former NFL executive Mike Tannenbaum didn’t hold back his thoughts on this new signing.
“They should win the division, and your quarterback is making the league minimum,” Tannenbaum added. “Again, context is everything. Starting quarterbacks are making upwards of $60 million. Look, I’m not saying he should be at the top of the market, but this is incredible value with a lot of high impact. If it doesn’t work out, there’s very little downside.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports writer for Heavy.com, covering the NFL, MLB, and college football. He has previously covered the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has freelanced for PSG Talk, covering Paris Saint-Germain. He also worked as an editor at Athlon Sports, focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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