# Puka Nacua's $29M NFL Paycheck

> Puka Nacua's $29 million 2027 salary cap target could redefine wide receiver pay scales after his controversial 2025 season.
- Title: Puka Nacua's $29M NFL Paycheck · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Puka Nacua's $29 million 2027 salary cap target could redefine wide receiver pay scales after his controversial 2025 season. Nacua's $29 million 2027 salary…
- Keywords: puka nacua, ram, wide receiver, nfl, contract, 2026, salary cap, franchise tag, seattle seahawks, jacksonville jaguars, tampa bay buccaneers, baker mayfield
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-contract-year-players-to-watch-puka-nacua
- Published: 2026-09-23T17:45:24+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: puka nacua, ram, wide receiver, nfl, contract, 2026, salary cap, franchise tag, seattle seahawks, jacksonville jaguars, tampa bay buccaneers, baker mayfield
## Contract Year Signings
Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Baker Mayfield to a $165 million three-year extension. Seattle Seahawks extended Leonard Williams to $90 million.
## Puka Nacua's Controversy
Nacua apologized for antisemitic gestures and a lawsuit alleging biting a woman while intoxicated. He spent time in a holistic care facility.

> Nacua performed a suggested touchdown dance with a gesture considered antisemitic, for which he apologized.
## Nacua's Stats
Nacua had 313 receptions for 4,191 yards and 19 touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons.
## Rams' Strategy
Rams let Nacua and other 2023 draft picks play rookie contracts after acquiring Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett.
## Nacua's 2026 Target
Nacua's 2027 franchise tag could be $29 million depending on the 2027 salary cap.
## Kyler Murray's Move
Murray signed a $1.3 million league-minimum contract with Vikings after being released by Cardinals.
## George Pickens' Situation
Pickens was designated a franchise player for $27.298 million after a slow start with the Cowboys.
## Quenton Nelson's Status
Nelson earned All-Pro honors for the sixth time in 2025 and could become the highest-paid interior offensive lineman.
## Brian Branch' Injury
Branch is on PUP due to a torn right Achilles and may return before teammate Kerby Joseph.
## Joey Porter Jr.'s Stalemate
Porter rejected a $27 million offer and faces contract structure issues with Steelers.
## Tuli Tuipulotu's Challenge
Tuipulotu earned his first Pro Bowl after 13 sacks but faces a contract stalemate with Steelers.
## Sam LaPorta's Delay
LaPorta missed eight games last season with a herniated disc and will likely get a deal in 2027.
## Byron Young's Opportunity
Young could eclipse Jaelen Phillips' $120 million contract as the Rams' top edge rusher.
## Riq Woolen's Red Flags
Woolen has nine penalties including three taunts and is playing on a $12 million one-year deal.
## Chase Brown's Potential
Brown has over 2,000 rushing yards and 120 receptions in two seasons and could benefit from a rising running back market.
## Parker Washington's Rise
Washington had 41 catches for 640 yards after Travis Hunter's injury and is a potential $29 million salary floor.
## Moro Ojomo's Path
Ojomo could follow Milton Williams' path to a $104 million deal with Patriots after Eagles' defensive line struggles.
## Riley Moss' Penalties
Moss has 203 penalties yards and is targeted 114 times, making him a potential $20 million salary floor.
## Steve Avila's Status
Avila and Kevin Dotson both have expiring contracts with the Rams.
## Key takeaway

Nacua's $29 million 2027 salary cap target reflects his potential to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.