Now that Stafford's back, the Rams next extension is painfully obvious

Okay, so you are delighted that the Los Angeles Rams have reached another agreement with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. And you should be thrilled, as Stafford has proven with an unexpected MVP season that he not only still 'got' it, but he gets better as he gets older. And that's music to fans' ears.

But let's slow down and pause just a moment. This team just managed one contract renegotiation. 25 more contracts await well-earned extensions. So, who to extend next? Well, history makes it so obvious that even a non-NFL fan can point to the next in line. Based on that storied history, quarterbacks love to have a familiar running back and wide receiver in their huddle.

General manager Les Snead had already extended running back Kyren Williams. And with Stafford under a new contract, the last piece of the Rams' modern version of the Triplets is to get wide receiver Puka Nacua inked to a new deal.

And yes, they remind many fans of the Dallas Cowboys trio of QB Troy Aikman, WR Michael Irvin, and RB Emmitt Smith. The only difference is the fact that LA's triplets only formed in 2023, 14 seasons into Stafford's career.

Puka Nacua may need to grow up, but he needs that extension now

As great as young wide receiver is on the football field, his "work hard, play hard" manta has complicated his relationship with Los Angeles. And while the team knows the value of Nacua to this offense, it's very aware that paying the wrong guy can destroy the fragile chemistry in the locker room.

With all that being said, Nacua is due a huge payday. And with Stafford inked, how long will the team resist the urge to ensure their most effective offensive tandem has swollen bank accounts? Many point to the NFL track record for the answer: Not long.

LA hite grand slams up and down their 2023 NFL draft class. And some draft analysts have ponied up to admit they missed the brilliance displayed by Snead in that draft. Since he was selected in Round 5, Nacua has been an incredible offensive weapon in LA's offense. And that has earned him the right to be the first to sign an extension.

Still, some fans may point to Nacua's off-field behavior as a reason to balk at an instant extension. But contracts can be written with escape and punitive clauses to protect the team while simultaneously compensating Puka at fair market value.

That could create problems with a weaker team. But Les Snead is a stickler for knowing value and sticking to his guns in negotiations. And head coach Sean McVay is confident in himself not to compromise his scruples. No matter who the player is, he knows what is expected of him. That applies to his top receiver.

Wheels are in motion. As players prepare for training camp, the front office is equally active. Don't be shocked if the team has agreed to terms to keep the former BYU star in Horns for the foreseeable future.

As always, thanks for reading.

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