Puka Nacua says holding out for new deal 'never crossed' his mind

Despite being one of the best players in the NFL, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is without a long-term extension heading into the final season of his rookie deal.

While fellow superstar and 2023 classmate Jaxon Smith-Njigba has already signed his record-setting deal, Nacua remains the only 2025 Offensive Player of the Year finalist who is set to be a free agent after this season.

Despite the lack of clarity regarding his future, Nacua has been a full participant at training camp. Nacua was asked if he ever considered holding out, and he said it “never crossed” his mind.

“No, not really,” Nacua said of whether he considered a holdout, via Michael J. Duarte of the California Post. “I think the game of football is a safe place for me, and I enjoy that. There have been things outside of my control that I think have impacted the way I’ve been able to kind of focus and enjoy this game of football. But coming out here and seeing that jersey No. 12 hung up in my locker is something that I don’t take for granted and being around this group of guys, I think of all the guys that have reached out in this offseason to be there by my side, and then when we’re here in the meeting rooms, just the the level of connection that I feel like I have with all the guys out there. (It) has never crossed my mind that I don’t want to be out here with these guys.”

Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua is entering the final year of his rookie contract and was asked if he thought about holding out during training camp until he signed a new deal. #Rams#nfl#pukapic.twitter.com/JIQKOWEjQx

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) July 29, 2026

Nacua led the NFL in receiving yards per game last season, finishing third in the Offensive Player of the Year voting, as well. He received eight first-place votes.

If he doesn’t sign a contract extension before the season, he’ll make $5.8 million in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Puka Nacua says holding out for new deal ‘never crossed’ his mind