A recent report suggested that the Los Angeles Rams were prepared to hand big-name wide receiver Puka Nacua a lucrative contract extension before the start of the 2026 season.
It now appears that may not be the case.
Rams “leaning” toward making this Puka Nacua decision?
On Wednesday, Rams reporter Sarah Barshop of ESPN indicated that Nacua could remain in the final year of his team-friendly rookie contract through the upcoming campaign.
“The Rams have a strong group of extension-eligible candidates from their 2023 draft class, and Nacua is at the top of that list,” Barshop wrote. “It remains to be seen whether the Rams get ahead of those contract extensions or focus instead on the 2026 season. The latter appears to be the way they are leaning after trading for cornerback Trent McDuffie in March and defensive end Myles Garrett in June.”
As it pertains to on-the-field production, few would argue that Nacua deserves to be paid like one of the best players at his position. ESPN stats show that he ended this past regular season ranked first in the NFL with 129 receptions and second with 1,715 receiving yards. Additionally, he was tied for sixth with 10 receiving touchdowns.
However, Jack McKessy of USA Today and others have detailed Nacua’s concerning off-the-field behavior that could cause the Rams to avoid making a long-term commitment to the 25-year-old. This past spring, Nacua checked himself into a rehab facility to reportedly focus on his “personal growth.”
Rams feel Puka Nacua’s situation is “complicated?”
“A deal could certainly get done — one that makes Nacua the top-paid player at his position — but the Rams don’t seem to be in a hurry for any of the contract extensions,” Barshop added. “Nacua’s situation is further complicated by several off-the-field incidents.”
This past March, Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba reset the market for receivers when he inked a four-year, $168.6M deal. Barshop’s update would lead one to believe that the Rams don’t want to hand Nacua that type of extension without first seeing if he can again play well and also stay on his best behavior through at least February 2027.
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