One of the big media talking points for the Los Angeles Rams during their 2026 training camp is the lack of a contract for star receiver Puka Nacua.
Nacua, who finished third in voting for 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, has been one of the best pass catchers in football since his rookie record-setting campaign of 2023. Despite that, he remains without a contract extension, which means he’s set to be a free agent after this season.
The Rams are reportedly not expected to give Nacua an extension before the season, instead opting to wait until next offseason to ensure Nacua has taken the proper steps to address his off-field behavior. In the meantime, the New Orleans Saints have extended receiver Chris Olave with a contract that should set the floor for future negotiations.
Olave’s deal is worth up to $132 million for four years, with $90 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
This is relevant because Olave has a history of concussions, suffering at least four in his NFL career. Despite that, Olave played 16 games last season and has appeared in 55 games over four seasons.
This is yet another team locking up a premier receiver before they hit free agency. The Rams’ decision to let Nacua’s current contract run without an extension isn’t a strategy being used across the league.
There’s still a lot of time before the season ends, as it’s barely begun. With that being said, each top receiver is avoiding free agency, creating a once-in-a-lifetime market for Nacua, should it get to that point.
The thing is, if the Rams are to offer Nacua a record-setting extension, does it really matter when they do it? It’s the little chess games that make up the NFL, but despite his off-field history, Nacua’s bargaining position continues to get stronger by the day.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Puka Nacua’s negotiating power strengthens with Chris Olave’s $132M deal
Reporting by Brock Vierra, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brock Vierra, Rams Wire | USA TODAY Network
