Teams eyeing trade for Rams WR Puka Nacua might be in for disappointment

The Los Angeles Rams have seen their star receiver Puka Nacua go through some off-the-field incidents this offseason, and he recently checked into a rehab facility. The situation has been notable enough that the trade rumors started to buzz even though Nacua once seemed like a shoo-in to get a record-setting extension from the team that drafted him.

Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic got the ball rolling on these talks, noting that no one on the Rams is untouchable (well, outside of former Rams pass-rusher Aaron Donald, who wasn't going anywhere during his time with the franchise). Rodrigue's exact words were:

"And, I'd just add this: Let's not pretend that any Rams player outside of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald has ever been completely untouchable. Since 2021, McVay has pivoted from a former franchise quarterback (Jared Goff) and a fan-favorite franchise receiver (Cooper Kupp), and the Rams even engaged briefly in trade talks about a receiver who McVay intensely pursued in free agency just one year ago (Davante Adams)."

Even though this seems potentially daunting for Nacua's future in L.A, head coach Sean McVay also stood up for his wide receiver and said he wants him to be a Ram for a long time. That could, of course, just be coach speak.

But Nacua is talented and has been one of Matthew Stafford's favorite weapons over the years. So there's surely truth to what McVay said. Nacua is one of the best young wideouts in the game, so if there's a chance the Rams can keep him around, they'll likely try their best to do so.

Naturally, with the trade talks slowly but surely starting to heat up, other NFL teams are going to be circling overhead like vultures. One team that would love to have Nacua is the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots, and Sara Marshall of Musket Fire brought up the idea of New England trading for the Rams' star wideout.

Other teams are going to hope that Rams are open to trading Puka Nacua

The Patriots have been linked closely with Eagles receiver A.J. Brown all offseason but that saga just feels like it's dragging on and on. Marshall floated the idea of a Nacua trade should the Brown trade officially not pan out.

"It would probably cost an arm and a leg to get it done, and that's something the Patriots would have to consider. However, given his age, his impressive career so far, and how much he would elevate their offense, there's no reason to close the door on a possible blockbuster trade, especially if the Eagles aren't inching any closer to moving Brown any time soon."

Hopefully, Nacua remains in Los Angeles wearing the blue and gold. Unfortunately, Rams fans will be bombarded by rumors of other teams discussing why he'd be a good fit for them. Nacua would make a lot of sense in New England, considering their need for a true WR1. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye might love to throw to Nacua, but the Rams are unlikely to give him that luxury.

The hope is that they can keep their WR1 for themselves.