The Las Vegas Raiders are looking to recover after a dreadful 2025 season. After having the worst record in the NFL and completely revamping the team, they are hoping this year will be the chance for them to get back into the playoff hunt. While they are facing an uphill battle, there are some players who can excel beyond expectations and break out as a star. Let’s take a deeper dive into who one outlet believes can do so for the Las Vegas Raiders this year.
The Athletic names Jalen Nailor as 2026 Las Vegas Raiders breakout candidate
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Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (1) celebrates after a touchdown during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Athletic wrote an article where each beat writer chose [one breakout candidate](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440963/2026/07/13/nfl-breakout-player-team-roster/) for the 2026 season before training camps officially open. For the Las Vegas Raiders, beat reporter Sam Warren chose wide receiver Jalen Nailor. Below is what they said regarding the wideout:
> “Nailor was surprisingly the lone premium addition the Raiders made at receiver this offseason after trading away top target Jakobi Meyers in November. While that may leave many scratching their heads, it gives Nailor an opportunity to produce like never before. The fifth-year veteran had a solid final two seasons in Minnesota, but was always a tertiary option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He comes into Las Vegas carrying established chemistry with quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Klint Kubiak from their Vikings days and with no solidified WR1 ahead of him. All signs point to Nailor having a chance to post career numbers in his first season with the Raiders.”
Jalen Nailor signed a three-year, $35.03 million contract this offseason with the Las Vegas Raiders and can be their most reliable wide receiver immediately. With a projected wide receiver starting lineup of Jack Bech, Tre Tucker, and Jalen Nailor, there is no big-name receiver who will receive the majority of the target share. Of course, there is still tight end Brock Bowers, but out wide there is not that alpha receiver on the roster.
Jalen Nailor had the best season of his career with the Minnesota Vikings last season as in 17 games (eight starts), he recorded 29 receptions on 53 targets for 444 yards (15.3 yards per catch) with four touchdowns. Whether it is Fernando Mendoza or Kirk Cousins throwing him the football in Week 1, this is a chance for Jalen Nailor to take the next step in his career and prove he is more than a WR3 he has been with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison outshining him with the Vikings. It will be intriguing to see how he performs with the Las Vegas Raiders this season.
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