The Los Angeles Rams have a lot of young players on rookie contracts after hitting on most of their draft picks in recent years.
Jared Verse was the 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Puka Nacua broke a rookie record in 2023 before coming on strong late in the 2024 season. Even other defensive players like Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Young are fantastic contributors so early in their careers.
But in terms of production vs. salary, Nacua was identified by Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon as the most underpaid player on the Rams heading into 2025.
"Rushing from the inside, Kobie Turner has produced 17 sacks at a cost of just $2.2 million in the first two seasons of his rookie contract with the Rams," Gagnon wrote. "But even that isn’t enough when you’re drafted two rounds ahead of a guy who has already become a superstar on a four-year, $4.1 million rookie deal. Incredibly, 214 receivers make more money than Nacua."
Nacua is making just $61,245 per year, according to Over The Cap, with a base salary of only $1.03 million in 2025. Those numbers put him among the lowest-paid players at his position and Nacua's base salary ranks 34th on his own team.
Meanwhile, Nacua's 2,476 receiving yards since 2023 ranks seventh among all receivers in the NFL over the past two seasons.
It's hard to find talented receivers late in the draft, but the Rams managed to find one of the best in fifth round with Nacua. Now, they've paired with him superstar receiver Davante Adams in what should be a great third season for the young wideout.
Nacua won't be eligible for an extension until after the 2025 season (his fifth accrued season in the NFL). But until then, the Rams can capitalize on paying one of the best receivers in the NFL one of the lowest salaries at the position.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams' most underpaid player is also one of their best
