Puka Nacua noticed the numbers.
So, little question, did Rams common supervisor Les Snead, and vp Tony Pastoors, the workforce’s senior government accountable for negotiating contracts.
When Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets this month signed a four-year extension that features $90 million in ensures, he grew to become the newest younger NFL receiver star to money in earlier than taking part in out his rookie contract.
Nacua is within the third 12 months of his rookie cope with the Rams. He might be eligible for an extension within the offseason.
“I try to do my best to stay completely present where my feet are,” Nacua mentioned this week after the Rams’ first observe, noting that he performed in a highschool All-Star sport with Wilson. “It’s exciting to see guys, to push the envelope for the wide receiver game.”
Nacua, a fifth-round draft decide in 2023, will earn simply over $1 million this season, in keeping with Overthecap.com.
For the Rams, it ranks as one of many NFL’s finest bargains.
Nacua, 24, grew to become a breakout star in his first season, establishing a number of NFL rookie receiving information and making the Professional Bowl. Final season, regardless of sitting out 5 video games due to a knee harm that he sustained throughout a preseason exercise towards the Chargers after which aggravated within the opener towards the Detroit Lions, he caught 79 passes for 990 yards and three touchdowns.
Vast receivers Puka Nacua, proper, and Devante Adams work out at coaching camp at Loyola Marymount College on Wednesday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Occasions)
With Nacua ascending into the No. 1 receiver, the Rams moved on from veteran Cooper Kupp and signed three-time All-Professional Davante Adams.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford might be sidelined via no less than the primary week of coaching camp due to again soreness. However on Wednesday, whereas working with veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo, Nacua and Adams confirmed flashes of the thrill they’re anticipated to generate for a workforce that might be considered a official Tremendous Bowl contender.
Throughout their transient time as teammates, Nacua mentioned he has discovered about physique management, elusiveness, on-field consciousness and the way to maximize route-running leverage from Adams.
“He explains it so well in the meeting room,” Nacua mentioned, “so it makes it fun to watch tape and to be like, ‘OK, how can I add some of these things to my toolbox?’”
Adams’ “illusion of speed and lateral quickness” stand out, Nacua mentioned.
“I wouldn’t say there’s a lot of people that can replicate some of the things that he can do,” Nacua mentioned, “but trying to understand the movement so I can add it to my game.”
Rams receivers Puka Nacua, left, and Davante Adams put together for a drill throughout coaching camp on Wednesday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Occasions)
Nacua and Adams are the celebrities of a Rams receiving corps that additionally consists of speedy Tutu Atwell, who’s taking part in on a one-year $10-million contract, and second-year professional Jordan Whittington.
As Nacua navigates his third coaching camp, he mentioned he can be centered on bettering his “pre-practice preparation” because the Rams prepare for his or her Sept. 7 opener towards the Houston Texans.
“I feel like I could wake up out of bed and get ready to roll and have no warmups,” Nacua mentioned of his first two camps. “I maybe didn’t run as fast as Tutu when I woke up out of bed, but I feel like I could get out and just be ready to go. So … pre-practice preparation, so when I hit down the field, I know I can start rolling as soon as we get out here.”
The Rams are at present in negotiations with operating again Kyren Williams a couple of doable extension. However that deal, if it will get carried out, is not going to examine with these looming in 2026 and past.
If Nacua stays harm free and he maintains or will increase his manufacturing, he might have a possible megadeal in hand earlier than 2026 coaching camp.
Defensive lineman Kobie Turner additionally might be eligible for an extension. Edge rusher Jared Verse is one other younger star on observe for a possible large payday after the 2026 season.
Nacua will not be trying too far forward as he will get his thoughts and physique prepared for the upcoming season.
“This will probably be the best that I feel for the rest of the year,” he joked. “I enjoy these moments because they won’t last too long, but I feel fantastic right now.
“Ready to roll.”
Rams offensive lineman Kevin Dotson reveals off his dedication to the workforce at coaching camp on Wednesday.
(Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Occasions)
And many others.
Stafford was not on the sector Wednesday. The 16-year veteran was working with trainers in different areas, McVay mentioned. Stafford will not be anticipated to observe till subsequent week. “I think that’s the best thing in terms of being able to strengthen, be as strong, sturdy and feel as good as he can go,” McVay mentioned of Stafford working away from on-field actions, “As good as he can be for the time that we get him back out here on Monday.” … Former Rams middle Brian Allen is attending camp and serving to with the offensive line. … The Rams are scheduled to carry a joint observe with the Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 5 in Oxnard.
