Puka Nacua’s rise in the NFL has been nothing short of incredible. The Los Angeles Rams took a chance on him in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time proving them right. Despite a 4.57-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which some thought was too slow for a wide receiver, Nacua smashed expectations.
By the end of his rookie season, he had 105 catches, 1,486 yards, and six touchdowns under his belt. Additionally, he earned Pro Bowl honors, a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team, and set an NFL rookie record with 15 receptions in a single game.
The Rams clearly saw potential in Nacua when they signed him to a four-year, $4.08 million rookie contract in June 2023. The deal includes a $244,976 signing bonus, all of which is guaranteed. On average, he’s making $1,021,244 per year. For 2024, his base salary is $915,000, and the total cap hit is $976,244, with a dead cap value of $183,732. The contract gives the Rams flexibility while giving Nacua a strong foundation to grow his career.
Moreover, the deal is structured to reward his performance over time. His salary started at $750,000 in 2023 and will climb to $1.145 million by 2026. So far, he’s more than lived up to it. In a standout performance against the Buffalo Bills in Week 14, he had 12 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown in a 44-42 win. By the end of 2024, his career earnings will reach $1.91 million, making him one of the 2023 draft’s smartest investments.
Also Read: Who Are Puka Nacua’s Parents? All About Los Angeles Rams WR’s Family
Here’s Why Puka Nacua’s Contract Is Worth Every Penny
In 2023, Nacua earned a $750,000 base salary and a $61,244 prorated bonus, bringing his cap hit to $811,244. In 2024, his base salary jumps to $915,000, and his cap hit rises to $976,244. By 2026, his base salary will hit $1.145 million, with a peak cap hit of $1.206 million. Meanwhile, the dead cap value decreases from $183,732 in 2024 to $61,244 in 2026, a sign of the Rams’ careful planning.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Nacua’s performance in 2024 backs up every penny of that contract. He has posted 61 receptions for 805 yards and three touchdowns through nine games, averaging 13.2 yards per catch on 83 targets. In his 26 career games so far, he has racked up 166 catches for 2,291 yards and nine touchdowns, averaging 13.8 yards per reception on 243 targets.
Standing at 6’2″ and 212 pounds, the 23-year-old is a game-changer on the field. His consistent production makes his rookie deal one of the best values in the league, and he’s quickly establishing his place as a crucial player for the Rams’ offense.
Also Read: Why Does Los Angeles Rams WR Puka Nacua Cry Before NFL Games? The Story Behind His Action
