Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua drew significant attention during the Super Bowl for his on-field and social media presence, particularly regarding Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. Following a standout regular season where Nacua led the NFL in receptions and earned both Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors, he is now entering a pivotal offseason with the Rams focusing on his contract status.
Clarifying the Controversy Surrounding Nacua and Sam Darnold
During the Super Bowl, Nacua posted a message on X featuring Sam Darnold with a laughing emoji, which sparked reactions among fans and former players, notably Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones. However, Fox Sports reporter Kev Mahserejian later clarified the intent behind the post.
Ok we owe puka an apology,
Kev Mahserejian wrote on X on February 9.
He was laughing at sam darnold refusing a lift up from the patriots not darnold winning this game.
Footage showed Patriots linebacker Anfernee Jennings offering to help Darnold up, only to retract the gesture amid Darnold’s response, indicating no antagonism. This clarification shed light on what initially seemed like mockery.
A fan directed attention to Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones regarding this revelation with the comment, “You see this @ernestjones ????” Jones responded rather bluntly to Nacua’s earlier critique:
Ain’t you at home. Goofy a**
Ernest Jones
Despite this, Nacua had also acknowledged former Rams receiver Cooper Kupp’s Super Bowl victory warmly, echoing sentiments from Jones and other fans. Following the clarification, Nacua simply stated of the situation, “This is good,” and has not issued further comments.
Ernest Jones Reflects on His Departure from the Rams
Ernest Jones IV’s frustrations with the Rams stretch beyond the incident with Nacua. About 18 months after being traded to the Tennessee Titans, Jones voiced his disappointment over his exit and some moments during the 2023 NFL season. After the Seahawks defeated the Rams in Week 16, Jones criticized the Rams’ approach late in the game.
Laughin’, man. Crazy. It was disrespectful,
said Ernest Jones, according to The Tacoma News Tribune’s Gregg Bell.
There was too much time on the clock.
Jones’ feelings were also evident following Seattle’s victory over Los Angeles in the NFC Championship Game. Speaking with NFL Network’s Stacey Dales, Jones expressed mixed emotions
It’s always hard, honestly. I poured a lot into that program. And to go out the way I did, I didn’t like it,
Jones said postgame.
But it is what it is. I’m glad I’m here with these guys. We won, going to the Super Bowl. I’m just thankful.
Jones has not publicly responded to the recent explanation about Nacua’s post but has focused on celebrating Kupp, Darnold, and the Seahawks’ success this season.
Rams Ready to Offer Puka Nacua a Contract Extension
Puka Nacua’s breakout season has positioned him well for a significant contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams. Eligible for a new deal this offseason, Nacua’s contributions have convinced the Rams’ front office to prioritize securing him for the foreseeable future.
ESPN reporter Kevin Seifert included Nacua among the players expected to receive new contracts this offseason, alongside teammates like defensive end Kobie Turner and outside linebacker Byron Young. While his extension is projected to be the most lucrative among them, it aligns with the Rams’ broader plans to build a competitive team around quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Keeping Nacua locked into a long-term deal is seen as essential to maintaining the offensive stability that the Rams value highly, especially during Stafford’s remaining prime years.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Nacua’s Contract on Rams’ Future
Securing Puka Nacua with a notable contract extension is likely to bolster the Rams’ offense as they seek to sustain their competitive edge in the NFL. Nacua’s proven ability to lead the league in receptions and his rising profile underscore his importance to the team’s strategy moving forward. The forthcoming deal will not only reward his performance but also signal the Rams’ commitment to retaining key talent alongside Matthew Stafford and other defensive assets like Turner and Young.
The extension could shape roster decisions and salary allocations in the coming seasons, emphasizing the Rams’ intent to remain championship contenders while managing salary cap priorities carefully.
https://twitter.com/AsapPuka/status/2020695742466465905
ok we owe puka an apology he was laughing at sam darnold refusing a lift up from the patriots not darnold winning this game https://t.co/U4Zmc2WZZC pic.twitter.com/fFikYdvit2
— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) February 9, 2026
You see this @ernestjones ???? https://t.co/VymWeRIIpd
— Arya (@vyrv_) February 10, 2026
Ain’t you at home. Goofy ass https://t.co/1CFlOFvc9J
— Ernest Jones (@ernestjones) February 9, 2026
— Kasabe_ (@kasabekompiles) February 9, 2026
This is good
— Puka Nacua (@AsapPuka) February 9, 2026
#Seahawks players locker room
talking postgame how Rams players were laughing at them when LA led 30-14 with 7 mins left. “Laughin’, man. Crazy. It was disrespectful,” Ernest Jones said. “There was too much time on the clock”Won’t name names. “They know.”
His thoughts now?⬇️ pic.twitter.com/kiai6jHtUD— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) December 19, 2025
https://twitter.com/StaceyDales/status/2015804794846523495
