RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesLos Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua isn't letting the absence of a contract extension distract him from preparing for the 2026 season.
Nacua spoke to the media on Wednesday and explained why he chose not to hold out at the start of training camp despite ongoing contract discussions.
“No, not really," Nacua said when asked if he thought about holding out of camp.
"The game of football is a safe place for me, and I enjoy that. There have been things outside of my control that have impacted the way I have been able to focus. But coming out here and seeing that jersey number 12 hung up in my locker is something I don’t take for granted."
Nacua went on to say that the thought of holding out did not cross his mind.
“I think of all the guys that have reached out to me this offseason to be there by my side. The level of connection I feel like I have with all the guys out there –– it never crossed my mind that I don’t want to be out here with these guys.”
Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed on Saturday that Nacua would not be holding out of training camp.
Nacua’s contract extension has been delayed despite his elite production on the field.
There are a handful of reasons for that, including the addition of Myles Garrett and his massive restructured deal, and potentially the ongoing off-the-field allegations regarding Nacua.
As things stand, Nacua is set to earn a base salary of $5.76 million for this upcoming season. The 25-year-old is set to enter the final year of his rookie contract after significantly outperforming its value.
Nacua is far greater than the $5.76 million he is likely to earn. In his first three years of his career, the former BYU Cougar has established himself as a top pass catcher.
In 44 games with 43 starts, Nacua has 313 receptions on 432 targets for 4,191 yards, 19 touchdowns, and averages 95.3 yards per game. Last season, Nacua averaged 107.2 yards per game and set a career high with 129 receptions in 16 games.
Nacua has already built an impressive resume, earning two Pro Bowler selections and first-team All-Pro honors in 2025.
The Rams drafted Nacua with the 177th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Nacua was the Rams' fifth pick in that round alone and quickly emerged as one of the biggest steals in the entire draft.
The rest of the 2023 draft class, which includes Kobie Turner, Steve Avila and Byron Young, also remains without a contract extension.
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