Puka Nacua’s Future As Los Angeles Rams WR1: Safe Or Slipping?

While much of the national spotlight has focused on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s future this offseason, arguably the biggest story for the team heading into 2025 is the franchise-altering change in the wide receiver room.

Cooper Kupp made his emotional exit, only to be replaced by Davante Adams. Of course, the constant in the room from 2024 to 2025 will be Puka Nacua, who is no secret at this point.

However, as the incumbent receiver, will Nacua be in the driver’s seat to put the offense on his back, or was the former Green Bay Packers star added to keep Nacua in the shadow of a veteran? Will Nacua accept it if it is the latter?

Recent Interaction Between Davante Adams And Puka Nacua Speaks Volumes

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

In March, the Los Angeles Rams announced that Nacua’s jersey number would be switching from No. 17 to No. 12. A seemingly small piece of news that would only affect fans who bought his jersey, the news betrayed a potentially big hint about how Nacua felt about Adams joining the team.

Adams wore No. 17 as a member of the New York Jets in 2024, leaving all signs pointing to a private conversation that led to a switch, although nothing was ever confirmed.

Nacua had the option to stand strong and make Adams find a new number, but he instead all but appeared to make way for the veteran. However, while the gesture aligns with Nacua’s sunny disposition, it doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of Nacua chasing as many catches as possible to Adams’ detriment.

Put simply, the question boils down to chemistry with Stafford. Nacua has the lead, but Adams is closer in age to Stafford, which might make getting on the same page easier. Adams earned 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns with the Raiders in 2023 and earned more than 1,000 yards between his production with the Raiders and Jets in 2024.

Nacua was nearly a 1,000-yard receiver in 2024 despite playing in just 11 games. If he can stay on the field, the Rams wide receiver appears to have the ability to usurp Adams as Adams gets deeper into his 30s, but the new receiver also could be in line for a rebound.

Adams had been working with a series of patchwork quarterbacks on the decline over the past several years. This year, he will get the 2021 Super Bowl champion Stafford, coming off a season where Stafford was a stone’s throw from hoisting another championship, which is likely to serve as a notable upgrade.

Will Nacua and Adams become an upgraded wide receiver duo for the Rams in 2025?

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