Potential Puka Nacua Contract Extension Could ‘Take A While’

The NFL offseason has slowed down a bit since the start of the free agency period earlier this month, but major news came out on Monday morning with the Seattle Seahawks reportedly signing star wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension.

The deal makes the two-time Pro Bowler the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history with an average salary of $42.15 million per season.

That is notable for Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is also in line to sign a lucrative contract extension this offseason.

While one should eventually come to fruition, the Rams are not expected to get a deal done with Nacua until later this summer, via Mike Garofolo of NFL Network:

“[Puka Nacua] is also in line for a possible contract extension, now eligible to receive one. He was neck and neck with [Smith-Njigba] last year as far as production and in their candidacy for Offensive Player of the Year. But my expectation based on the conversations that I have had, is that it’s a different situation with Nacua and the Rams. The Rams got a lot of young guys that they have to pay and a lot of other business to conduct as well. So the expectation on my end is that the Puka deal is gonna take a while and could be further into the summer before we see something happen there.”

Rams general manager Les Snead previously indicated that the Rams would focus on free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft before turning their focus to contract extensions for eligible players.

L.A. has already been plenty busy this offseason with their trade for All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and signing of Jaylen Watson in free agency.

The Rams now presumably have their sights on the draft, which is only a month away. The team will make a total of seven selections, including at No. 13 overall in the first round.

When the dust settles after that, the Rams will likely make Nacua the new highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history as he has statistically outperformed Smith-Njigba in several categories since entering the league in 2023. L.A. could also look to sign a couple of key defensive players in Kobie Turner and Byron Young to contract extensions.

Panthers sign former Rams linebacker Nick Hampton

The Carolina Panthers announced the signing of former Los Angeles Rams linebacker Nick Hampton.

Hampton originally joined the Rams as a fifth-round pick out of Appalachian State in the 2023 NFL Draft, but never truly made an impact with the team.

He appeared in 36 games over the last three seasons, recording 17 tackles and two passes defensed. Hampton mostly contributed on special teams as he played just 188 total defensive snaps.

Hampton was cut by the Rams this past December before eventually re-signing with the team’s practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster on several occasions last year and wound up appearing in 15 games between the regular season and playoffs.