The latest Rams contract rumors surrounding wide receiver Puka Nacua could have him hold out of workouts this summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising for him to demand a record-breaking deal. Nacua, a former fifth-round pick, has become one of the most destructive receivers in the league. Unfortunately, the receiver has faced multiple off-field issues, including being accused of biting a woman and making antisemitic comments. The Rams may be wary of offering Nacua a blockbuster extension, especially with the superstar entering rehab this offseason, where he’s focused on personal growth.
However, the accusation, along with the temporary restraining order, was dropped, and the judge dismissed it. Still, the accuser is moving forward with the civil lawsuit. With all of these ongoing issues, the Rams could wait until the receiver is done with rehab and can stay out of trouble during the 2026 season. If successful, the team would be more than willing to give him the extension he deserves.
Rams Contract Rumors: $45M Superstar May Shockingly Holdout for New Deal
The receiver could hold out anyway for a new deal. After the Seattle Seahawks made Jaxon Smith-Njigba the highest-paid wideout in the league, the Rams’ WR will be looking to exceed that contract. Following behind Smith-Njigba are the Bengals receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, completing the top pecking order. It would be shocking to see the Rams offer Nacua a much lesser deal than Smith-Njigba, but it’s not impossible.
Last year, the wideout earned NFL Pro Bowl honors for a second time in his three years as a Ram, recording 1,715 receiving yards on 129 receptions for 10 touchdowns. He joined former teammate Cooper Kupp to have over 2,000 receiving yards combined with postseason play.
Rams Have a Need at WR
Either way, the team will need to address the hole they have at the wide receiver position. After coming close to trading Davante Adams, it’s been rumored this week that they could revisit it, but in exchange for the Philadelphia Eagles, AJ Brown. This could complicate the contract talks surrounding Nacua, and the fact that they can’t pick up the fifth-year option on him makes it even more difficult. While the Rams could wait until after the 2026 season, the team might dig themselves in a hole similar to what the Dallas Cowboys did with George Pickens.
Who Has the Leverage?
It’s 50/50 right now. No one can tell what the future holds for the receiver, but if he can prove that he can stay out of trouble, he’d be in shape to receive an extension. You’d have to wonder if trading Adams would’ve made it easier to extend Nacua, though. However, it would be reasonable for the Rams to extend him as soon as possible.
There’s a chance that Nacua could light up the field again this year, and no one would be actually surprised. The Rams receiver is the future of this football team. After taking QB Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick, the team did not budge, adding any additional WR talent to help Nacua or Adams. It would be a headache for veteran Matthew Stafford if Nacua holds out for a deal.
For now, the practices this month are voluntary. The real conversation will begin in June if the former fifth-rounder decides to skip mandatory work. Since the team was unable to add another WR in free agency or the draft, they really have no choice here. While they’ve been improving the secondary unit, trading for Trent McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson, the Rams can’t ignore the WR position. It’s in the team’s hands now, and it’ll be something to watch as the weeks go by.
