Rams News: Maxx Crosby Backs Puka Nacua to Get a Better Deal Than Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (17) celebrates the victory against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images The receiver market rarely stays still in the NFL.
One major extension quickly becomes the new baseline for the next negotiation, especially when two young stars are producing at nearly identical levels. That dynamic came into focus this week after the Seattle Seahawks handed Jaxon Smith-Njigba a massive four-year, $168. 6 million extension, resetting expectations across the league and immediately putting pressure on the Los Angeles Rams to address the future of Puka Nacua.
Among those weighing in on the new market was Maxx Crosby, who made it clear he believes Nacua’s next contract will surpass Smith-Njigba’s landmark deal. Speaking about the two receivers, Crosby suggested the numbers almost inevitably tilt in Nacua’s favor as the market continues to climb. “He’s gonna get — he’s gonna beat it for sure,” Crosby said.
“That’s just how it works. I mean, they both were the two best receivers statistically in the league this year, but he’s going to come in over JSN. ” Smith-Njigba’s extension was not simply about rewarding production.
Seattle leadership repeatedly framed the receiver as a central pillar of the franchise moving forward. Head coach Mike Macdonald described the wideout as a “foundational piece” of the organization during the announcement, emphasizing both his performance and leadership inside the locker room. “One of the great things that paints a great picture about what Jax means to us, being a foundational piece of our football team and our organization, is we’ve got a full house here,” Macdonald said.