Puka Nacua Hires New Agency, Eyes Next Contract

In three seasons with the Rams, Nacua has already exceeded expectations, becoming one of the best wide receivers in the league, general manager Les Snead said. Last season, Nacua recorded a league-leading 129 receptions for 1,715 yards — second only to Seattle Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba — and 10 touchdowns.

That production helped the Rams' top-ranked passing offense reach the NFC Championship Game. Nacua earned his second All-Pro selection and finished third in AP Offensive Player of the Year voting, behind San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey and Smith-Njigba.

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Given all that, Nacua's next contract could be record-setting in a receiver market that continues to grow. On Tuesday, the Baltimore Ravens gave wide receiver Zay Flowers — also represented by Win Sports Group — a four-year, $140 million extension.

The deal's $35 million annual value ties Nacua's fellow client Flowers with Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson for fourth among receivers leaguewide, behind the Atlanta Falcons' Drake London, the Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase and Smith-Njigba. It will be interesting to see where Nacua's numbers land if a deal is reached.

If is the key word. The Rams have shown a lack of urgency in extending the star receiver amid off-field issues and maturity concerns, a stance that lined up with what Snead told reporters when asked for an update on where things stand.

"Snead declined to answer a question about negotiations with Nacua on a contract extension, saying, 'We'll keep that between us,' ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Dan Graziano and Ben Solak reported Tuesday. But he did say Nacua is 'in a great spot.'"

Nacua is currently facing a civil lawsuit accusing him of making antisemitic remarks and biting a woman during a New Year's Eve incident. The good news for the Rams: Nacua has shown maturity, taken ownership of his mistakes and is fully focused in practice.