It hasn’t been a good offseason for Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is being sued after allegedly biting a woman and making an antisemitic comment while out on New Year’s Eve.
The incident, which some of his representatives have denied, occurred less than a month after Nacua made an antisemitic gesture and criticized NFL officials during a livestream.
The 24-year-old has since checked into a Malibu rehab facility to get right, but there is now some doubt as to whether the Rams will sign him to a long-term contract extension.
According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, the Rams could hold off on extending Nacua until his off-field behavior improves, and they may even be willing to use the franchise tag on him next year:
I don’t believe that an early extension is now a guarantee, even if the Rams have been clear they’d like Nacua to be with them for the long term. But the organization has a natural cushion during which to monitor Nacua, as they don’t typically do early extensions until training camp. If they still aren’t totally sure or need more time, they could even use the franchise tag on Nacua next spring — a move they’ve typically avoided.
The Rams are still standing by Nacua and were relieved when he willingly reported to the rehab facility:
But it’s my understanding that their concerns significantly increased — especially about Nacua’s well-being — as the offseason continued. While Nacua checked into the facility of his own volition, a source with knowledge of his decision said, the team is certainly glad he did.
There’s no doubt that Nacua has all the tools to be a Hall of Famer someday, but the Rams understandably want to see some growth from him before they commit to a long-term contract extension.
It’s believed that Nacua could command an even bigger contract than the four-year, $168.6 million deal that Jaxon Smith-Njigba signed with the Seattle Seahawks last month.
Sean McVay & Rams want to help Puka Nacua
Rams head coach Sean McVay recently discussed Nacua’s situation, expressing support for the two-time Pro Bowler.
“The play on the field is amazing and then with what the play has dictated and determined there is a responsibility in terms of representing all things not exclusive to just that,” McVay said. “We are hopeful that… this will be an opportunity for him to learn and grow, and we are hopeful that he’s a Ram for a really long time. But he understands what the responsibility is not exclusive to just the production on the field.”
