Puka Nacua has chosen to let his work speak during contract talks with the Los Angeles Rams.
On Wednesday, it was difficult to ignore.
Nacua made two one-handed catches during the Rams’ second-to-last public training camp practice at Loyola Marymount University.
The first came during the opening 11-on-11 drive, when Stetson Bennett IV lofted a pass down the sideline with Nacua matched one-on-one.
Nacua slowed down and elevated to secure the ball with one hand while staying inbounds.
Later in practice, he crossed the middle on a deep slant and lunged to make another one-handed grab, per the Rams’ official practice report.
The pair of catches added another visual reminder of what the Rams already know.
Nacua is entering the final season of his rookie contract with considerable leverage, and he has decided to bolster his case from the practice field.
Nacua Keeps Practicing Through Rams Contract Talks
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 27: Puka Nacua #12 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the Los Angeles Rams Training Camp at Loyola Marymount University on July 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Nacua became eligible for an extension this offseason after completing his third NFL season.
Holding out never became part of his approach.
“It never crossed my mind that I don’t want to be out here with these guys,” Nacua said in a July 31 interview with the team website.
Head coach Sean McVay said Nacua’s decision to practice “says a lot” and expressed hope that the receiver would stay in Los Angeles for a long time.
Nacua’s production already alludes to lucrative deal. He caught 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games last year,
Those numbers placed him second in the NFL in receiving yards, behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, whose ensuing contract provided another reference point for negotiations.
Nacua also knows his physical playing style makes availability part of the discussion. He told the Rams that the physicality is “ingrained” in him, placing greater importance on how he maintains his body through camp and the season.
Wednesday offered the preferred version of that balance.
Nacua participated, handled the starters’ workload and still found enough room to make two catches that became the lasting images from practice.
The Seattle Seahawks signed Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6 million extension with $120 million guaranteed in March. The deal carried a record $42.15 million average in new money.
Nacua’s next contract will be measured against that market.
Every healthy practice and high-level performance gives the Rams another reason to avoid letting the situation reach the open market.
Nacua Stands Out With Rams’ Starters
GettyINGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 23: Puka Nacua #12 and Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams embrace before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The circumstances around Wednesday’s catches also of note.
Matthew Stafford didn’t practice, leaving Bennett to direct the first-team offense.
Davante Adams also received the day off as Los Angeles moved most of its other receivers between the first and second units.
Nacua was exclusively with the starters.
That placement hardly came as a surprise, but it showed how firmly the offense is built around him.
Even with the Rams emphasizing the running game Wednesday, Nacua created the two defining offensive highlights.
The catches also came one day before Los Angeles’ final public practice at LMU.
The Rams will soon shift toward their preseason schedule, when decisions about workloads and game participation become more prominent.
Nacua has already made his preference know. He wants the work, even with a new contract still unresolved.
The Rams may eventually reward that approach with one of the largest receiver contracts in NFL history.
At the moment, Nacua continues to strengthen the argument one hand at a time.
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