The Los Angeles Rams have a significant decision to make on third-year wide receiver Puka Nacua, and it could result in the BYU and University of Washington product setting a new benchmark.
Nacua was the 177th overall pick of the 2023 draft. He has already outplayed that pedigree, adding First Team All-Pro honors and a second Pro Bowl to his resume.
Again, that all figures to add to the bottom line on Nacua’s next deal.
Puka Nacua Predicted to Set Rams Record
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams runs after a catch against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
Nacua led the NFL in receptions during the regular season, finishing with 129 grabs for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, all of which set new career highs. Nacua is on a four-year, $4.1 million contract.
He will get a significant raise on his next contract. The question is just how far the Rams are willing to go, knowing they have other means to keep Nacua in the mix beyond his current deal.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti believes Nacua could make Rams history on his new deal.
“One of the bigger no-brainers in the league this coming offseason, Nacua is entering a contract year in 2026, set to earn an estimated $5.8M (once a proven performance escalator is finalized),” Ginniti wrote on January 25. “He’s extension-eligible for the first time this winter, currently projecting toward a 4 year, $154M deal in our system. There’s a realistic world where that number looks more like $180M ($45M APY) when it’s all said and done.”
The $154 million would be a franchise record for a wide receiver. Ginnitti’s high-end projection would surpass Matthew Stafford’s four-year, $160 million contract for the largest in Rams history.
Per Over The Cap, the Rams have $43 million in room for 2026 before making any moves, but ESPN projects that figure at a much higher $62.2 million.
The Rams also have to remain flexible for other deals.
Ginnitti listed defensive end Kobie Turner (four years, $180M), outside linebacker Byron Young (four-years, $145M), and left guard Steve Avila (four-years, $70M) as extension candidates. The Rams also have several options for potential conversions of conversions and cuts.
Nacua has climbed the ranks of the Rams’ record book. He could vault to the top of the team’s all-time pay scale.
Puka Nacua Surpasses NFL Icon
GettyPuka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams walks off the field after beating the Indianapolis Colts.
Nacua’s record-season did not stop in Week 18. His 9-165-1 line against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game helped him overtake another prolific wideout on the all-time wide receiver leaderboard.
“Puka Nacua passes Larry Fitzgerald for the 2nd-most receiving yards in a single season, including playoffs [fire emoji],” NFL+ posted on X on January 25.
Fitzgerald retired as an 11-time Pro Bowler and was First Team All-Pro in 2008.
The Rams have other areas of greater need on their roster. Few, if any, should be a priority over addressing Nacua’s future in some capacity, though. Even if Stafford retires, Nacua is seasoned enough to work with a veteran replacement. He is also young enough to help groom a rookie.
That is just another item Nacua can add to the list of reasons the Rams should spare no expense to retain his services for the foreseeable future.
Rams’ Puka Nacua Predicted to Rewrite Record Books With Next Contract