Puka Nacua’s issues could force Rams into tag decision

The Los Angeles Rams are approaching what may become the most delicate contract negotiation of the Sean McVay era, and according The Athletic, the discussion surrounding star receiver Puka Nacua goes beyond production on the field.

Judging from his play alone, Nacua has already earned a massive payday. The former fifth-round pick has developed into one of football’s elite receivers, piling up over 4,000 career receiving yards while earning multiple All-Pro honors.

With the market exploding after Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed a four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seattle Seahawks, league projections now place Nacua’s value somewhere near, or even above, $44 million annually.

But The Athletic reported the Rams want to see “a pattern of strong behavior” before fully committing to a deal that could exceed $170 million.

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That hesitation stems from a series of off-field incidents that have raised concerns inside the organization. Nacua spent part of this offseason in a holistic care facility following several controversies toward the end of the 2025 season, including a civil lawsuit alleging he bit a woman while intoxicated while also using anti-semitic slurs during a New Year’s Eve incident.

The pattern appears to have forced the Rams to slow down extension talks. That is where the franchise tag suddenly becomes a realistic option.

The Rams have rarely used the tag under their current leadership structure. In fact, the last time they used it was in 2018, when they tagged safety Lamarcus Joyner for one final season before ultimately allowing him to leave in free agency a year later.

Using the tag on Nacua would allow Los Angeles to buy time while avoiding the long-term risk of guaranteeing over $100 million immediately. Current projections estimate a 2027 receiver franchise tag would cost between $30 million and $36 million for one season.

While still expensive it also allows the Rams to keep Nacua rostered at a discounted rate, while not rewarding the receiver’s questionable decisions.

The Rams still believe Nacua can become a long-term member of the team, perhaps maturing into becoming the face of the franchise. McVay has publicly expressed hope that the star receiver remains in Los Angeles for years to come. But as The Athletic noted, becoming the face of an organization requires more than elite numbers on Sundays.

For Nacua, the next season may determine whether he receives generational security or a one-year prove-it deal instead.