Raiders Sign Ex-Vikings WR Jalen Nailor

Ascending receiver leaves Minnesota for free-agent deal in Las Vegas

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Jalen Nailor, a wide receiver who spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, has agreed to a free-agent contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Nailor was a sixth-round draft pick by the Vikings in 2022 and developed into a reliable receiver, though he was overshadowed by stars like Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota's passing attack.

Why it matters

The Vikings were hoping to retain Nailor, but faced a tight salary cap situation that made it difficult to keep him. His departure leaves a void in Minnesota's receiving corps, while the Raiders add a talented young wideout to their offense.

The details

Nailor, 26, caught 29 passes for 366 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2025, his most productive NFL season to date. He developed a reputation as a skilled route runner and deep threat, and was viewed by some teams as a potential 80-catch receiver with more opportunities. The Raiders, who are looking to build around young quarterback Jarrett Stidham, see Nailor as an ascending talent who can complement their existing receiving options.

  • Nailor was drafted by the Vikings in the 6th round in 2022.
  • He spent the first 4 seasons of his NFL career in Minnesota.
  • Nailor agreed to a free-agent deal with the Raiders on March 9, 2026.

The players

Jalen Nailor

A 26-year-old wide receiver who spent his first 4 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings before signing a free-agent deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Justin Jefferson

A superstar wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, who was the primary pass-catching option in the Vikings' offense alongside tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Jordan Addison

A first-round draft pick by the Vikings in 2025, who formed a talented receiving corps in Minnesota alongside Justin Jefferson.

Jarrett Stidham

The young quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, who the team is building around after acquiring Nailor in free agency.

Keenan McCardell

The wide receivers coach for the Minnesota Vikings, who helped develop Jalen Nailor during his time in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Vikings will need to find a replacement for Nailor in their receiving corps, either through the draft or free agency.

The takeaway

Nailor's departure highlights the challenges the Vikings face in retaining talent due to salary cap constraints, while the Raiders add a promising young receiver to their offense as they look to build around quarterback Jarrett Stidham.