Jalen Nailor could the hidden gem of free agency

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 14: Jalen Nailor #1 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 14, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Las Vegas Raiders made the biggest splash of free agency by adding Tyler Linderbaum to the offensive line. The $27 million-per-year deal set a record for centers and signaled to the fan base that they were ready to spend big this offseason.

With the second signing, the team announced, it didn't hit as hard as the first. John Spytek added to the wide receiver room, bringing in Jalen Nailor to the fold. He was given a three-year $35 million contract, surprising much of Raider Nation. The former Michigan State receiver didn't have a major role with the Vikings in Minnesota and has a chance to showcase his skill set with the Silver and Black.

Nailor has never had more than 450 yards in a season playing behind Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson. TJ Hockenson was the third target for the Vikings, which left Nailor having to fill in during injuries to the players in front of him. His biggest game was against the Ravens, where he finished with 124 yards receiving.

The Vikings lined him up inside and outside, which displays what his role will be with the Raiders. This past season, he was in the slot 60% of the time, making a play that could move around all over the line of scrimmage. Nailor becomes a replacement for Jakobi Meyers, who was traded midseason in 2025.

One thing that stands out on film is the ability to run routes. Nailor does a great job selling routes using his eyes and can change directions quickly. In the play below against the Chicago Bears, he is lined up inside running a dig route against cover 2 man. The corner plays a trail technique, expecting help over the top. Nailor is able to sell a deep route, which keeps the corner expecting the safety to help over the top. He then cuts at the top of his route on a dime, and it turns into a 28-yard gain.

It works on out routes as well. Here is against the Atlanta Falcons lined up in a bunch formation. He has a great release, which gives him outside leverage against man coverage. He sells the fade route and quickly turns into an out route and then makes a tough catch on a high pass, displaying his excellent hands.

Nailor had one drop on his 49 targets in 2025 and exhibits the ability to adjust and make great catches on the sideline. In the same game against the Falcons, play-caller Kevin O'Connell gets him one-on-one with the safety on an out route. He gets separation at the top of his route and makes a great catch on the sideline, keeping his feet in for the first down.

Against the Ravens, he makes an acrobatic catch in the back of the end zone. He is able to separate from the cornerback late in the down, gets a beautiful throw from J.J. McCarthy, and adjusts to it while keeping his feet in for the touchdown.

Explosive plays downfield are in his arsenal as well. He has the deep speed to create big plays downfield. While this rep doesn't end in a completion, Nailor runs a great route on a double move and is wide open downfield. McCarthy ends up missing his target, but fans can see his talent to win downfield.

Nailor has upside that goes along with all the free agent signings this offseason. If he could reach his potential, he could add a hidden gem to Klint Kubiak's offense.