When the LA Rams released veteran wideout Cooper Kupp in March, it led to a seismic addition: Five-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams. The former Raider and Jet signed a two-year deal with the Rams, instantly reshaping the offense. What truly makes the Rams’ receiving corps dangerous is that they already have a WR1 in Puka Nacua.
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The 24-year-old’s ability as a certified starter was seen last year when he returned with authority after missing five games in the first half of the season. From Weeks 8 through 18, only Ja’Marr Chase outscored Nacua in fantasy points. He led the league in target share at 31%, ranked No. 1 in yards per route run (3.23), and posted a 36% target rate per route, the highest in the NFL among qualified receivers.
Considering Nacua has just cemented his WR1 status as Matthew Stafford’s most-trusted option, many in his place would have seen Adams’ arrival as a threat. But the wide receiver sees it as a valuable learning opportunity.
“As soon as he stepped into the facility, [Davante] has been fantastic,” Nacua told ESPN. “The ability to learn the game from another all-time great… I feel like I’m stealing. I’m like a kid in a candy store. I’ve had Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp, and now Davante Adams. My life is pretty good.”
This energy has translated to the practice field, where Nacua says he’s been soaking up everything Adams has to offer.
“He’s got the ability to change pace while he’s moving, to win against negative leverage, and his suddenness at the line — it’s fantastic to see,” Nacua explained.
“It makes you turn the gas all the way on when you’re lining up next to number 17. You start trying new things. His ability to move defenders all over the field is awesome to see, and I can’t wait to see it live in action,” he added.
These are high praises from a player who already put up historic numbers in his first two years in the NFL. They’re also a testament to how seriously Nacua looks at growth. So, it wasn’t surprising to see him lavish praise on the quarterback who helped him reach these heights so early in his career.
“He wears that arm sleeve because he’s protecting that cannon,” Nacua joked about Stafford. “Anywhere on the field, he can put the ball. Coach McVay calls them ‘long handoffs’ — 45-yard handoffs coming from Stafford. It’s pretty cool.”
All said and done, with Adams in the fold, Stafford healthy and staying in LA, and Nacua continuing to level up, the Rams’ passing offense could be one of the NFL’s most potent in 2025. More importantly, if Nacua keeps learning at this pace, that WR1 title might not be shared for long.
