WOODLAND HILLS, Ca. For the most part, the Los Angeles Rams have avoided major controversies in the Sean McVay era. However, this past season, star wide receiver Puka Nacua has found himself on the wrong side of headlines time and time again.
McVay backed his player during the NFL Owners Meeting, the first time McVay got a chance to speak after Nacua was hit with a lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges Nacua made antisemitic statements and accused Nacua of biting a woman.
“The play on the field is amazing, and then with what the play has dictated and determined there is a responsibility in terms of representing all things not exclusive to just that,” stated McVay. “He knows that, those are expectations and we are hopeful that … this will be an opportunity for him to learn and grow, and we are hopeful that he’s a Ram for a really long time.
Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“But he understands what the responsibility is, not exclusive to just the production on the field.”
Nacua is set to earn a record-breaking extension this offseason, but some believe that Nacua’s recent actions may make the Rams hesitate to pay him. Here’s why that isn’t the case.
Why Nacua Will Get Paid
Here’s the thing. This is nothing new. The NFL has had it’s fair share of characters over the years, especially at the wide receiver position and the cash keeps coming through. This is a league that once employed Michael Irvin. Whatever Nacua has done looks like child’s play compared to the way Irvin tore up the 90s.
D.K. Metcalf is one of the NFL’s most volatile players. He got $150 million. A.J. Brown is making headlines for one reason or another, and the Rams tried to trade for him, almost sending Davante Adams away in the process. The NFL doesn’t care.
Jan 11, 2026; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) looks on prior to an NFC Wild Card Round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Do you know who also doesn’t care? The Rams. Jalen Ramsey got into a public feud with the Jacksonville Jaguars, once rolling up to the team stadium in a Brinks truck while in the midst of stalled contract negotiations. The Rams sent two first-round picks for him before giving him a record extension. Ramsey would help replace Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters.
Talib had multiple run-ins with the law, and his actions on the field are notorious, such as his documented feud with Michael Crabtree. That didn’t stop the Rams from trading for him.
Mar 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Wildcats FFC defensive back Jalen Ramsey during the Fanatics Flag Football Classic at BMO stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Peters never did anything wrong, but his blood also ran hot. He literally got into a screaming match with Ramsey after the Rams traded Peters away once they got Ramsey, when their sides faced off later that season. The Rams still traded for Peters when Peters was the exact same person in Kansas City.
Oh, and Ramsey’s anger never subsided. Ramsey got into a fight with Golden Tate after a game. That did not stop the Rams from trying to trade for him last season.
Feb 5, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Puka Nacua on the NFL Honors Red Carpet before Super Bowl LX at Palace of Fine Arts. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
That’s three distinct examples right there. Before anyone says that was the past, let’s look at the present. Alaric Jackson was suspended by the NFL in 2024 and signed a massive extension that offseason. Jimmy Garoppolo was also suspended for the same duration and signed a one-year deal last offseason.
The list goes on and on and on. Puka Nacua never committed a crime, he’s played in every game he’s been eligible to play in, he’s never been suspended by the league, and he’s only missed games due to injury. Those are the key points.
Most importantly, no matter what goes on, he shows up and shows out on Sundays. Yeah, Nacua is getting paid, and he’s getting paid top dollar.