RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. There were plenty of questions surrounding Puka Nacua's future heading into Los Angeles Rams training camp, but whether he'd show up wasn't one of them.
The star wide receiver is entering the final year of his rookie contract, meaning 2026 could be a pivotal season for him to secure a major extension. Despite that uncertainty, Nacua said he never considered skipping training camp or holding out.
"No, not really," Nacua said when asked if he thought about not reporting. "I think the game of football is a safe place for me and I enjoy that. There have been things outside of my control that I think have impacted the way I've been able to kind of focus and enjoy this game of football. But coming out here and seeing that jersey No. 12 hung up in my locker is something that I don't take for granted.
"It never crossed my mind that I don't want to be out here with these guys," he added.
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What's made Nacua's looming contract extension trickier is the fact that he's also coming off a difficult offseason away from football.
In March, a civil lawsuit was filed against him alleging that he made an " unprovoked antisemitic statement " toward a woman and later bit her on the shoulder. Nacua later denied the allegations , saying that he has proof the "behavior and actions are inconsistent with the allegations being made."
He reported to camp while the situation remains ongoing and emphasized the support he's received from his teammates and the Rams' organization throughout the process.
Even with all of that uncertainty, one thing that remains certain is what he can do on the field. Since the Rams took him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Nacua has been one of the best players in the entire league and a crucial part of LA's success.
He broke the then-NFL rookie record for receptions with 105 catches for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns, earning Pro Bowl honors and finishing as one of the league's top receivers. Last year, he had his best season yet, finishing with 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 129 catches — all career highs and among the highest marks in the league.
Another strong 2026 season would put Nacua in position to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, something that both sides have made clear they want to make happen.
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