The Los Angeles Rams are heading into 2026 will every intention of competing for a Super Bowl. The return of Matthew Stafford (which he personally announced at the NFL Honors) only solidified those expectations. Star wide receiver Puka Nucua has not only been an important piece of their offense, but he has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
However, it may be nearly impossible for the team to keep him around. Here is why.
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (12) celebrates after a play during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Rams May Lose Puka Nacua After Massive Contract News From The Seattle Seahawks
As reported by Ian Rapoport:
BREAKING: Seahawks, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba agree to terms on 4-year, $168.6M extension with $120M guaranteed, making him the highest paid WR in the NFL. (via@rapsheet)
That new contract establishes the bench mark every other wide receiver who feels they are next in line to become the highest paid at their position. That could certainly include Puka Nucua.
Nacua’s numbers for the 2025 season were incredible. He finished with 129 receptions, 1,715 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He also accounted for 80 first downs and averaged more than 107 receiving yards per game.
Ayomide Adeduyite of Yahoo Sports highlighted how far the 24-year-old wide receiver has come:
Puka Nacua continued his rapid rise to superstardom with a dominant 2025 season, emerging as one of the league’s most productive wide receivers. The Los Angeles Rams star finished the year with 129 receptions for 1,715 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.
Nacua led the NFL in catches and ranked second in receiving yards. His production played a central role in Los Angeles’ run to the NFC Championship Game, where he consistently delivered in high-leverage situations and solidified his status as a true No. 1 option.
His impressive campaign immediately led to speculation about his long-term future and market value in the offseason. Nacua is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, and league projections have pointed toward a deal that would place him among the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. His trajectory and importance to the Rams’ offense made an extension a priority.
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