Photo via Yahoo Sports

The Rams need Puka Nacua more than Puka needs them

Through three games of the season, head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford are discovering how heavily the Los Angeles Rams rely on wide receiver Puka Nacua. Although past off-field concerns caused the organization to hesitate on a long-term deal, Nacua holds significant leverage as a premier target who could command upwards of $42.2 million annually on the open market, matching massive deals like Jaxon Smith-Njigba received from the Seattle Seahawks.

Analysts including Mike Florio have pointed out that lacking financial security beyond the current year, and playing on a modest $5 million salary, gives Nacua ample reason to approach his hip and groin injuries with extreme caution rather than rushing back for the Rams. With surgery potentially sidelining him for a minimum of six weeks and his absence potentially stretching on, other franchises stand ready to reward him fully as an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

Up nextNFL· 17h ago

Rams' Aaron Donald to miss Week 4 game vs. Eagles, Puka Nacua's status updated