Minnesota Vikings starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy is not short of weapons to throw to on offense in 2025. That might not be the case when 2026 rolls around.
One of McCarthy's projected starting wide receivers could very well be on the outs after the season. Jalen Nailor has slowly improved his performance over the last three years, but 2025 has become a pivotal one for the 26-year-old receiver.
The Vikings haven't done much to show that they want to keep Nailor in Minnesota, so this season is being labeled a "must-perform" year for Nailor. It may not be for a spot on the Vikings, but a spot elsewhere.
Should Jalen Nailor be out of Minnesota after 2025 or be retained by the Vikings?
Minnesota selected Nailor in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and had a relatively quiet rookie season with nine receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown in 15 games. 2023 was kind of a wash for Nailor as he missed a chunk of the season on injured reserve and played just six games with only three catches for 29 yards.
Last year was a breakout year for the former Michigan State Spartan as he started seven of the 17 games he played in. He hit career-highs in every category, including receptions (28), yards (414), and touchdowns (six).
It was the exact type of year the Vikings were hoping for from their number three receiver. They hope to achieve an even more elevated version of that performance in 2025, alongside Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
The problem is that there has been no indication from the Vikings that they want him to return to Minnesota. Nailor is in the last year of his rookie contract with no conversations about an extension to give.
That would leave Nailor looking at the real possibility of hitting the free agent market. It may not be the worst situation for Nailor, as if he plays even better than he did last season, he should have no trouble collecting a nice payday.
For Minnesota, however, it could be either a good or a bad thing. The Vikings selected Tai Felton with one of their five picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, so if he emerges as a solid receiver, Nailor will for sure be gone. If Felton struggles in his rookie season, though, the Vikings might be more inclined to bring Nailor back.
A great deal can happen between training camp and the 2026 offseason. Nailor has the most critical season ahead of him, as signs indicate that he might not be wearing the purple uniforms after the season.
