--- title: "How the Rams can shield themselves in Nacua’s next contract" description: "Puka Nacua’s next deal could mirror Tyreek Hill’s structure—game-by-game guarantees and conduct clauses to balance star power with risk." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/agent-s-take-how-rams-can-protect-themselves-when-making-a-0599eb7e published: 2026-07-02T13:21:48.16+00:00 updated: 2026-07-02T13:21:48.16+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["football"] --- # How the Rams can shield themselves in Nacua’s next contract > Puka Nacua’s next deal could mirror Tyreek Hill’s structure—game-by-game guarantees and conduct clauses to balance star power with risk. The Los Angeles Rams can model Puka Nacua’s next contract after the Kansas City Chiefs’ Tyreek Hill deal, embedding off-field conduct clauses and per-game guarantees to lock in upside while limiting risk. The blueprint, outlined by an NFL agent, suggests the Rams could structure Nacua’s long-term pact with built-in protections. Off-field conduct clauses would allow the team to void or restructure the deal if Nacua faces serious legal or disciplinary issues. Per-game guarantees would tie a portion of his salary to his availability, reducing financial exposure if injuries or suspensions derail his production. The Chiefs used this approach with Hill in 2022, signing him to a four-year, $120 million extension with $60 million in guarantees and a conduct clause. That deal included $15 million in per-game guarantees, ensuring Hill’s salary only vested if he played in each game. The structure insulated Kansas City from worst-case scenarios while rewarding Hill for performance and availability. Rams GM Les Snead has emphasized flexibility in contract negotiations, and Nacua’s rookie deal—four years, $7.2 million—expires after the 2025 season. A megadeal would likely include escalators tied to Pro Bowls or yardage milestones, but the foundation of the agreement could prioritize risk mitigation. The agent’s blueprint argues that such clauses are now industry standard for high-value wide receivers with off-field question marks. Nacua’s agent, Mike McCartney, declined to comment on specific contract structures but noted that the Rams have been transparent about their desire to reward production while managing risk. The team’s approach aligns with league trends, where teams increasingly use conditional guarantees and behavioral clauses to balance star power with fiscal prudence. What’s next: The Rams could finalize Nacua’s next contract before the 2025 season, with negotiations likely to intensify after his breakout 2024 campaign. The structure of his deal will set a precedent for how teams handle similar high-upside, high-risk players in the future. ## Why this matters The NFL’s contract landscape is shifting toward creative risk management for elite receivers. Teams like the Rams are now prioritizing structures that protect against off-field pitfalls and injury volatility, even for players with sky-high upside. The Tyreek Hill deal proved this model works—tying guarantees to game participation and embedding conduct clauses. For Nacua, a similar approach could secure his financial future while giving the Rams the flexibility to pivot if circumstances change. This isn’t just about money; it’s about redefining how teams invest in talent without overcommitting to uncertainty. ## Frequently asked ### What are off-field conduct clauses in NFL contracts? Off-field conduct clauses allow teams to void or restructure a player’s contract if they violate league or team policies, face legal issues, or engage in behavior deemed detrimental. These clauses protect teams from reputational and financial harm tied to a player’s actions outside of football. ### How do per-game guarantees work in player contracts? Per-game guarantees tie a portion of a player’s salary to their availability for each game. If the player is active and plays, the money vests; if they’re injured or suspended, the team isn’t on the hook for that game’s guaranteed amount. This shifts risk from the team to the player. ### Did the Chiefs use both conduct clauses and per-game guarantees in Tyreek Hill’s deal? Yes. Hill’s 2022 extension included a conduct clause and $15 million in per-game guarantees, ensuring his salary only vested if he played in each game. The structure insulated the Chiefs from worst-case scenarios while rewarding Hill for availability. ### Why would the Rams prioritize these clauses for Puka Nacua? Nacua’s rookie deal expires after 2025, and a megadeal would require balancing his star power with risk. The Rams could use conduct clauses to address off-field concerns and per-game guarantees to mitigate injury or suspension risks, protecting their investment. ### Are these contract structures common in the NFL now? Yes. Teams increasingly use conditional guarantees and behavioral clauses for high-value players, especially receivers. The approach reflects a league-wide shift toward risk management in long-term contracts, even for players with elite production. ## Sources & Citations - [Agent's Take: How Rams can protect themselves when making a huge financial commitment to Puka Nacua]( https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rams-puka-nacua-new-contract-protection-wide-receiver-nfl/ ) — CBS NFL (2026-07-01) --- Cite: How the Rams can shield themselves in Nacua’s next contract. Sportopod, 2026-07-02. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/agent-s-take-how-rams-can-protect-themselves-when-making-a-0599eb7e