The Rams are keeping the Puka Nacua contract situation under wraps for now, even as the star receiver’s future remains a major talking point in training camp.
General manager Les Snead didn’t bite when ESPN asked about extension talks, and he made it clear the team isn’t interested in putting negotiations out in the open. At the same time, he offered a positive read on where Nacua stands right now.
“Snead declined to answer a question about negotiations with Nacua on a contract extension, saying, “We'll keep that between us.” But he did say Nacua is “in a great spot,” meaning the receiver is healthy and focused after a tumultuous offseason. Nacua is facing a lawsuit from a woman who alleges he made an antisemitic remark and bit her on the left shoulder on New Year's Eve.”
That lines up with what NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said last week, when he suggested a new deal is probably not coming before the season starts.
“What they want to see from Puka Nacua is that he is in a better place this year than he was at any point last year,” Rapoport said.
“In my understanding of the situation, do not expect a Puka Nacua contract extension before the season. Do not.
He has one more year left on his deal. The Rams have got a lot of money in a lot of different places on a lot of different players.
I expect that to sort of be the focus this year, and we will see after this year if he ends up getting tagged or a new extension deal with the Rams.”
Sean McVay echoed the idea that Nacua is moving in the right direction, but the head coach wouldn’t put any kind of deadline on a contract resolution.
“I’ve been really proud of what he’s been doing and how he’s taken accountability for some of the things that we can learn from,” McVay said. “I want to just be able to see him continue to be that positive influence, both on the field and off the field. He’s taken those steps, and I am hopeful that we’ll be together for a really long time.
“I don’t know that I can really say this timeline or stuff like that. Because I don’t think you want to dangle a carrot that way.
I think he’s inspired to do right because his heart is right. (And) I think the contract and things like that will take care of itself.”
Nacua’s 2025 season had plenty of production, even with the off-field noise hanging over it. He apologized after a livestream incident that included antisemitic undertones, was fined $25,000 for criticizing NFL officiating on social media and is still defending himself against a lawsuit tied to an alleged New Year’s Eve altercation.
On the field, he kept rolling. Nacua finished the 2025 season with 129 receptions on 166 targets for 1,715 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns and 80 first downs in 16 games. He also added 105 rushing yards and one touchdown on 10 carries.
The Rams have also been aggressive this offseason in their push for another Super Bowl run, bringing in Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie. A new contract for Nacua doesn’t look close, but both Snead and McVay made it clear they still see him as a major piece of what they’re building.
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