Vikings, WR Jalen Nailor Have Not Discussed Extension

As a result, Jalen Nailor could be on his way toward free agency shortly. 2025 marks the final year of his rookie contract, and ESPN’s Kevin Seifert writes no “substantive” talks on an extension have taken place to date. As such, a departure on the open market this spring would come as little surprise in Nailor’s case.

Upon entering the league as a sixth-round pick, Nailor was unable to make an impact early in his career. He totaled just 12 receptions in 21 games across the 2022 and ’23 seasons, but things changed last year. Nailor saw his offensive snap share jump to 51% in 2024, and he set new career highs in several categories (28 receptions, 414 yards, six touchdowns). Those figures still stand as a personal watermark at this point, although he will have one more game to add to this season’s production.

Jefferson is attached to an AAV of $35MM; that ranks second at the receiver position. Addison is approaching the end of his third season, meaning he will soon be eligible for an extension. The Vikings could pick up Addison’s fifth-year option during the spring and in doing so ensure he remains under team control through 2027. Even so, a more expensive pact could be in store down the road in that case. Having two notable WR contracts on the books would of course leave it challenging for Nailor to secure a second Minnesota pact.

The 26-year-old has logged a 65% snap share in 2025, a season in which he has seen a career-high 50 targets. The Vikings have largely struggled in the passing game this year, but they will have other priorities to address over the coming months. The team’s future in terms of WR3 options will also include Tai Felton, who was selected in the third round of this year’s draft.

The list of pending free agents at the receiver positions includes George Pickens, Alec Pierce, Romeo Doubs and Rashid Shaheed. Nailor will not be the top earner amongst that group, but he could be in line for a considerable raise on his next contract. It appears as though it will send him to a new team.