Should I Start Jalen Nailor?

Tuesday, May 5, 9:29 AM

The Athletic's Sam Warren writes that the Las Vegas Raiders like wide receiver Jalen Nailor to "take a big leap in a more featured role" in 2026. Nailor will be a starter alongside Tre Tucker and Jack Bech after signing a three-year, $35 million deal in free agency in March. The 27-year-old former sixth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2022 out of Michigan State showed flashes with the Vikings, but his fantasy value was always capped as the No. 3 with the Vikes behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Nailor had a career-high six touchdowns in 17 games in 2024 and caught 29 passes for a career-high 444 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games in 2025 in his final season in Minnesota. He'll be reunited with former QB Kirk Cousins to start the 2026 campaign in Vegas, and there is plenty of opportunity since the Raiders didn't address the receiver position in this year's draft. At the very least, Nailor will be in play as a weekly WR4/flex in redraft leagues for the upcoming season, while his dynasty stock has more long-term upside as he begins to work with No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.