Puka Nacua's trade value from ESPN gives Rams an interesting question to answer

1 hour ago 3

The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the 2026 NFL season as the clear favorites to win the Super Bowl. Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson are joining a Super Bowl-caliber roster this offseason.

Matthew Stafford is coming back, and Aaron Donald might even return to the team as well. Looking over this roster, it's hard not to get excited about a contending season.

But what about after 2026? What then? Well, the Rams might have an interesting question to answer with ESPN's Bill Barnwell projecting Puka Nacua's trade value that could open the door to a move after the 2026 season.

Rams have an interesting question amid Puka Nacua trade value from ESPN

"One first-round pick and more: DT Braden Fiske, WR Puka Nacua, DT Kobie Turner," Barnwell writes.

While it's hard to imagine any one of those players being traded this season, or between now and the start of the year, once the 2026 season comes to a close, it might be a very interesting conversation.

Nacua, who has had a bit of a shaky offseason due to off-the-field problems, might not be in the Rams' long-term plans.

He's hitting free agency after the 2026 season, though the Rams would likely franchise tag him to ensure they keep him for 2027, or, using this projection from Barnwell, trade him.

MORE: Rams urged to trade for Patriots’ DeMario Douglas to fix WR3 problem

The Rams are built to contend for the next couple of seasons, but it wouldn't be a total surprise if the Rams decided to trade Nacua, especially if it brought back value as good as a first-round pick and more.

There's already uncertainty for Nacua's long-term future with the Rams, and with the potential to land a first-round pick plus more, it might be tempting for Les Snead and Sean McVay to pull the trigger on a deal depending on how 2026 goes.

Matthew Stafford retiring after 2026 would make this decision a little easier, as trading Nacua would make a lot of sense if the Rams don't have the elite QB to lead them to a Super Bowl.

A deal for more than a first-rounder could be tempting for the Rams. While they might not be likely to trade him, it's at least a non-zero chance considering the uncertainty surrounding him heading into 2026 and beyond.