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ESPN suggests Rams target Chris Godwin or Courtland Sutton

An ESPN analyst proposed that the Rams pursue a veteran receiver if Puka Nacua needs more time to recover.

Knox Esparza

September 30, 20262 min read

The Los Angeles Rams have started the 2026 NFL season with a 1-2 record and are dealing with injuries to two key players. The team lost to the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos while defeating the New York Giants.

All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett is on injured reserve and is expected to miss at least through Week 6. Wide receiver Puka Nacua could return in Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles, although his availability and condition remain uncertain. Coach Sean McVay has said he is hopeful Nacua will play.

That uncertainty led ESPN analyst Ben Solak to propose that the Rams consider another receiver through a trade. Solak identified Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. as one possible target, describing him as an experienced player capable of handling a large workload.

Godwin, 30, has missed 18 games combined over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He has nevertheless reached 1,000 receiving yards four times in the past seven years and has regularly produced at least 80 catches and five touchdowns. He is a former second-team All-Pro selection and Pro Bowl player.

The source also noted his 4.42-second 40-yard dash and characterized his speed as an element the Rams’ other star receivers, Nacua and Davante Adams, do not provide.

Solak also named Denver Broncos receiver Courtland Sutton as another potential option. Sutton, 30, has made two Pro Bowls and has missed three games since 2021. He is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, with 155 catches and 15 touchdowns across that span.

The proposed additions would give the Rams another established receiver alongside Adams if Nacua needs additional recovery time. The source did not report that either Godwin or Sutton is being traded to Los Angeles. Further details about any potential trade are not yet clear.

Source: [heavy.com](https://heavy.com/)

Source: heavy.com.

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Knox Esparza

Knox Esparza covers Pleasanton high school and area college sports.

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