Entering the 2025 season, the Minnesota Vikings are loaded on offense with what could be one of the most talented units in the NFL.
Led by wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, new starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy has all kinds of weapons around him. McCarthy will have a solid running game with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in the backfield and an offensive line reloaded with three new starters.
Outside of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, tight end T.J. Hockenson is the other big-time pass catcher for the team. The Vikings have Jalen Nailor and rookie third-round pick Tai Felton competing for the third wide receiver spot. This season will be important for Nailor in many ways, as it could be his last in the purple and white uniforms.
What will Jalen Nailor's role be for the Minnesota Vikings in 2025?
While appearing on an epsiode of SKOR North's "Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd" on Thursday, KSTP's Darren Wolfson shared an update on how the Vikings are handling Nailor's situation for 2025. There aren't any conversations regarding a new contract, but that wouldn't reduce his role in Minnesota this season.
“On Jalen Nailor, there just hasn’t been any dialogue. Not that the Vikings are like ‘we drafted Felton. Guess what? Like Nailor, you are the No. 4 receiver.’
I think Nailor is going to have some good opportunities this year, but I think the idea is he’ll get paid pretty well elsewhere. Think about Patrick Jones. Good year for the Vikings, gets paid in Carolina.
I think with Jalen Nailor, hopefully in his case, Speedy can stay healthy, contribute to the Vikings winning this year, and he ends up elsewhere next March.”
Nailor took a significant step forward to be the No. 3 receiver on the team last year. He finished with 28 receptions for 414 yards and six touchdowns, which were all career-highs for him.
Felton complicates Nailor's status with the Vikings as he will be seen as the No. 3 receiver. Nailor will likely be playing for a larger contract elsewhere unless he is able to outperform his 2024 year and get on the same level as Jefferson and Addison.
He has a chance to prove himself, depending on what happens with Addison's DUI case, which could result in a suspension.
The Vikings will be leaning more on Nailor to take a bigger role in the offense this year, but more importantly for him, he needs to prove that he can earn the big bucks and rank among the top receivers in free agency next offseason.
