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Count wide receiver Justin Jefferson among those intrigued to see how teammate Jalen Nailor fares on the open market if the Vikings let him hit free agency in March.
Nailor is nearing the end of his best and possibly last Vikings season. The fast receiver, nicknamed “Speedy,” has developed an all-around game and made impactful plays despite living in the shadows of Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nailor has been a go-to target in clutch situations with reliable hands and home run-play ability.
“He’s made himself a good bit of plays and made himself a lot of money,” Jefferson said. “Just being able to be so open on film.”
Jefferson added: “He’s the one that’s singled up a majority of the time, so we’ve seen plenty of times on tape him running wide open and creating that separation, so I’m definitely curious to see how it goes for him [in free agency].”
Nailor, who has 26 catches for 395 yards this season, is a few catches away from surpassing his career highs in receptions (28) and receiving yards (414) set last season. His efficiency also stands out, with above-average marks in yards per catch (15.2), contested catch rate (75%) and drops (one), according to Sports Info Solutions.
“I don’t know,” Nailor said. “I don’t think I have any [drops.]”
Oh? Stat keepers can fumble, too.
Nailor contends he has caught all 26 passes that have hit his hands this season, including two touchdowns in Sunday night’s road win over the Dallas Cowboys. Nailor said he’s proud of eliminating drops by “being intentional with my eyes.” He also added about 10 pounds last offseason to improve as a run blocker, becoming the kind of well-rounded target who could be sought after in March.
Nailor, a 2022 sixth-round pick out of Michigan State, said there have been no hints yet from the Vikings about a new contract.
“I have no clue,” Nailor said. “The people upstairs are going to make the best decision that’s for the organization. I’m just going to keep my ears open and pray for the best.”
Nailor characterized his time in Minnesota as “a journey,” alluding to the obstacles — late-round draft status, injuries, crowded depth chart — he has overcome to contribute more each year.
Coach Kevin O’Connell singled out Nailor’s increased physicality. The once-undersized target can now fight through defenders like he did during his 20-yard touchdown catch against the Cowboys.
“He can win versus man coverage,” O’Connell said. “He’s got great feel for zones, and he’s proven now he can make contested catches with some huge, huge plays Sunday night. … Just continued to have that upward trajectory. Really, really proud of him, and it’s a great example of what we hope to do with young players.”
Nailor’s rise in Minnesota required him to learn each receiver spot — the slot (F), split end (X) and flanker (Z) — for a Vikings playbook chock full of varied formations and motions. While he has been mostly a slot target, his versatility has made him a coaches’ favorite.
“Hard work, character, he’s smart,” offensive coordinator Wes Phillips said. “He could probably figure it out if you just threw him in at Y [tight end] if we went four-wide [formation].”
The Vikings have frequently turned to Nailor in the clutch.
He leads the team with 201 yards and 11 first downs when targeted on third and fourth downs.
That includes quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s back-shoulder throw to Nailor on fourth down against the Cowboys. The play gained 23 yards and set up fullback C.J. Ham’s touchdown run in the third quarter.
“Just give him a chance to catch the ball, and he’s going to do it,” McCarthy said. “‘Back-shoulder Speedy,’ that’s who he is. Just put it up for him.”The play that resonates most with Nailor wasn’t thrown to him at all.
With five minutes left in a 26-0 blowout loss at Seattle, quarterback Max Brosmer threw a fourth interception. As Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen fled to the opposite side of the field, Nailor followed, punched out the ball and forced a Vikings recovery.
“Being able to show I’m more than just a receiver,” Nailor said. “I’m a football player. A guy who’s not going to give up.”
Nailor’s resilience was tested early in his NFL career. He missed 13 games because of various injuries, including hamstring strains and concussions, during his first two seasons. He credits his offseason yoga and Pilates and in-season disciplined postgame recovery routines for the fact he hasn’t missed a game since.
Injuries are “the only thing that ever held him back,” O’Connell said.
“Worked hard over time and finally gotten his opportunities in some of these games,” Phillips said. “He’s shown why we’ve liked him and why he’s stayed around and been a big part of the offense.”
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