Raiders Sign Former Vikings WR Jalen Nailor

3-year, $35M deal brings Las Vegas native back home

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a 3-year, $35 million contract with former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor. Nailor, a Las Vegas native who played high school football at Bishop Gorman, is expected to play a larger role in the Raiders' offense after spending his first four NFL seasons behind stars like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota.

Why it matters

The Raiders are making key free agent signings to build around their next starting quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Bringing in a talented young wide receiver like Nailor, who is familiar with the Las Vegas area, could help the team's transition to a new signal-caller and provide a reliable target in the passing game.

The details

Nailor's new contract with the Raiders includes $23 million in guaranteed money. The 26-year-old wide receiver caught 69 passes for 1,066 yards and 11 touchdowns over his four seasons with the Vikings, playing behind Pro Bowl receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. The Raiders believe Nailor has the potential to break out as a lead receiver in their offense.

  • Nailor agreed to terms with the Raiders on March 9, 2026.

The players

Jalen Nailor

A 26-year-old wide receiver who played his first four NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings after starring at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas.

Fernando Mendoza

The Raiders' next starting quarterback, who the team is building around through key free agent signings like the Nailor deal.

Tyler Linderbaum

A record-breaking center who the Raiders recently signed from the Baltimore Ravens to bolster their offensive line.

Justin Jefferson

A Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, who Nailor played behind during his time in Minnesota.

Jordan Addison

Another Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, who Nailor played behind during his time in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“Jalen Nailor is a talented young receiver who we believe can really thrive in our offense. Bringing him back home to Las Vegas is an exciting addition for us.”

— Raiders General Manager (Raiders Press Release)

What’s next

The Raiders will look to finalize their quarterback situation in the coming weeks as they continue to build their roster around Mendoza and other key free agent signings like Nailor and Linderbaum.

The takeaway

The Raiders are making a concerted effort to surround their next starting quarterback with top-tier offensive talent, including a homecoming for local product Jalen Nailor. These moves signal the team's commitment to building a contender in Las Vegas.