PITTSBURGH — A familiar face was on hand when the Rams opened the on-field phase of their offseason program on Monday. Puka Nacua, their star wide receiver, is taking part in the program afterentering a rehabilitation facilitylast month.
Rams coach Sean McVay said Nacua will be afull participant in the programand that it was “Great to be able to see him.”
McVay did not delve much into Nacua’s situation or any conversations he and his wide receiver have had, but did say that he and Nacua “have a great relationship” and that he feels “really good about kind of the direction that we’re going.”
In many ways, though, Nacua’s presence at the club’s Woodland Hills practice facility is also a reminder of the long-term future of their wide receiver room. And how their first round pick inThursday’s NFL draft, which lands at No. 13 thanks to a shrewd 2024 draft-day trade they made with the Falcons, can help enhance that position.
Assuming everything checks out with Nacua, who checked himself into rehab after a series of off-field incidents, he and the Rams are likely to extend their relationship on a long-term contract extension. Based on his on-field production, including the league-leading 129 catches he posted last year for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns, he is on target to sign the richest wide receiver contract in NFL history.
Beyond Nacua, though, there is short-term and long-range uncertainty.
Davante Adams will turn 34-years old in December and is entering the last year of his contract. Finding a replacement for him is high on the Rams’ list of priorities.
But so too is adding someone who can slide in alongside Nacua and Adams and contribute as soon as possible.
In present form, the Rams have a top-three NFL roster and legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. But they’d be even more formidable if McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford had yet another explosive playmaker to tap into.
That brings us to Thursday’s first round, and the very real opportunity the Rams have to add a player who fits that bill perfectly.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
