Puka Nacua checked into a treatment center amid legal allegations, leaving the Rams' extension plans and offensive future uncertain.
While a team can try to control as many factors as they can, for the Los Angeles Rams, a lot of their offseason hopes are now resting on what transpires with wide receiver Puka Nacua while he’s in and after he exits rehab. Nacua checked himself into a treatment center following allegations in a lawsuit filed that accuses him of biting women while under the influence on New Year’s Eve. It comes during a pivotal offseason for the team and star receiver, as he’s eligible to sign a contract extension, and could be a franchise face – which comes with additional responsibilities.
The Rams were known to be one of the suitors for Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver A.J. Brown, who would have been an upgrade in a few ways from wide receiver Davante Adams. As The Athletic points out, Brown being under contract for four more years and the way its structured would have allowed Los Angeles to both acquire Brown and sign Nacua to a deal at the top of the market. But it also would have given them an out to not need to, as the 28-year-old could have slotted in as WR1 in a way Adams can’t at his age. Instead, the Rams are running it back, which places a lot more weight on Nacua’s ability to turn things around.
Here is the full story from Rams Roundtable writer James Brizuela on the legal matter and what it means for the team’s future.
Nacua, should they extend him, will be the receiver they build around in the future. When Matt Stafford retires, he’ll either have to work building up a rookie or be the asset that draws someone over in a trade or free agency.