Jalen Nailor
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Jalen Nailor grabs a touchdown for the Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings have a big decision staring them in the face in WR Jalen Nailor.
The 2022 seventh-round selection is due a new contract from the team. Should he not come to an agreement by March 13th, he will become a unrestricted free agent.
Nailor will turn 27 on March 2nd, entering him into the usual age range for a receiver’s prime. Due to Minnesota’s cap complications, however, a shiny new contract might not be coming from them.
Vikings’ Jalen Nailor Projected for a “990%” Pay Increase
Jalen Nailor, Vikings
GettyARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 14: Jalen Nailor #1 of the Minnesota Vikings participates in warmups prior to a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Athletic‘s Daniel Popper projects Nailor to receive a base contract of 3-years/$36 million from whichever team commits to him. This is a huge jump from his $1.1 million salary in 2025 with the Vikings. There should be decent interest for him on the open market.
Popper justified his opinions on Nailor’s contract on the basis that Nailor is a “player who is ready to take the jump in the right enviornment.”
Popper provided further elaboration on the former Michigan State Spartan.
“Nailor has the spatial awareness to weave through zones and find soft spots. He was predominantly a slot player in Minnesota but has inside-outside flexibility. He flashes late hands to prevent defensive backs from turning and locating the ball. Nailor is not a burner, but he can push vertically out of the slot on fades, wheels and corners. He is compact ball carrier who is capable after the catch, and he is also a quality run blocker for his size.”
The Vikings will have to be measured when it comes to Nailor. Jefferson is currently on the books for over $38 million in 2026, and the team still needs to decide on Jordan Addison’s fifth-year option before May 1st.
Minnesota Needs to Make Decision on Aaron Jones
Minnesota Vikings
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 16: Aaron Jones #33 celebrates with Trent Sherfield Sr. #11 of the Minnesota Vikings after a scoring touchdown during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 16, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The Vikings are coming close to the time in which they need to make a decision on RB Aaron Jones.
Minnesota currently sits in the neighborhood of -$40 million in cap space. They will have many major decisions to make with key players like T.J. Hockenson and Jonathan Allen. Those are just a few among a multitude of “big” names that need restructured contracts at the very least.
One player is the Vikings’ lead running back since 2024, Aaron Jones. Since joining Minnesota in 2024, Jones has been a reliable rusher when healthy. As a Viking, he has totaled 1,686 yards and 7 rushing touchdowns. He has also contributed 3 receiving touchdowns.
Jones, however, is aging and is due a large amount of money in 2026. His current cap number sits at about $14 million, and will turn 32 this December. The Vikings would save a little over $7 million in 2026 by releasing Jones with a post-June 1st designation.