The 49ers won’t mind not seeing Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua twice a year, although they may have to wait a little bit.
The San Francisco 49ers are more than familiar with Los Angeles Rams wide receivers who have histories of tormenting them in the twice-a-year NFC West showdowns.
For years, a big name was Cooper Kupp, who’ll now have a chance to do so with the Seattle Seahawks after LA dismissed him earlier this offseason.
A prime reason why Los Angeles showed Kupp the door? Third-year Pro Bowl wideout Puka Nacua.
Nacua, who burst upon the scene in 2023 after being selected in Round 5 of that year’s draft, has enjoyed more success against the Niners than any other team within the division, averaging 95 receiving yards per contest over three games played and amassing 285 total receiving yards, most against any opponent, period.
By the looks of it, San Francisco will have to contend with Nacua for a long, long time.
But, not forever.
Puka Nacua admits he wants to retire early
Nacua recently admitted, via Football Forever, he wanted to end his playing days at a relatively young age:
Rams’ star WR Puka Nacua says he wants to retire by the age of 30.
Nacua, who will turn 24 ahead of his third NFL season, wants to walk away from the game early enough to raise a family.
“I know I want to retire at the age of 30.” pic.twitter.com/VrEeTWohhD
— Football Forever (@fballforeverhq) March 24, 2025
“I know I want to retire at the age of 30,” Nacua said, citing the desire to raise a family while avoiding the rigors of a full NFL schedule at that point in his life.
Nacua, who’ll turn 24 years old this offseason, can’t exactly be faulted for wanting to spend more time with family, especially when he takes into account his own health and potential long-term ramifications an elongated career can produce.
Using advanced math, that means the 49ers will only have to face him for at least six more seasons if he stays true to his wishes.
Not too long in the grand scheme of things, right?
