sportingnews
The Los Angeles Rams' 2026 campaign has not unfolded as many anticipated, and injuries have been a significant factor. At 5-4, the Rams remain in playoff contention, but with challenging matchups against the Packers, Chiefs, 49ers, and Seahawks still on the schedule, nothing is assured for Sean McVay's team, which entered the season as a Super Bowl favorite.
On Monday, the Rams received another dose of bad injury news. Veteran receiver Davante Adams remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and now Matthew Stafford has lost his other top target, Puka Nacua, for multiple weeks due to a knee sprain, according to Adam Schefter. Nacua, who has been heavily targeted (93 targets, 70 catches) in just seven games, could be out for at least four games on injured reserve, leaving the Rams dangerously thin at wide receiver.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on Tuesday, Los Angeles could seek an upgrade at the perfect time. Here are seven wide receivers the Rams could pursue in the wake of injuries to Nacua and Adams.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars
The most splashy acquisition the Rams could make before the deadline might involve a deal with another Super Bowl contender. The Jaguars sit at 6-2 with a path to the AFC's No. 1 seed, yet they have one player who has been speculated as a clear-cut sell candidate: wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. In 2024, Thomas was a rookie sensation out of LSU, posting 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns as one of the NFL's best offensive weapons in his first pro action. Since then, he has been far from that version of himself. After totaling 707 yards over 14 games in 2025, Thomas has fallen into a nearly non-existent role within Jacksonville's offense, owning just 117 yards and two touchdowns through eight games. In Week 9, he didn't have a single target against the Ravens, falling behind Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington, and even Travis Hunter in the wide receiver pecking order. It remains unclear whether Jacksonville would make a subtraction from its offense during its strong 2026 season, but trading Thomas could free the Jaguars of some off-the-field drama while recouping some lost draft capital following Monday's trades for Jessie Bates, Davon Godchaux, and Jordan Davis. For the Rams, Thomas could immediately fill in as a starting-level option without Nacua and Adams over the next few games—and in the long term, he could also establish himself as a weapon for L.A.'s future quarterback, Ty Simpson.
Josh Downs, Colts
By now, it's no secret that the Colts are willing to listen on nearly anybody ahead of the deadline, and fourth-year receiver Josh Downs made it no secret that he wants to be one of those players on the move. Downs, a 2023 third-round pick, reportedly requested a trade from Indianapolis weeks ago but remains available. He's not a WR1 in the NFL, but for the Rams, Downs would at least have the talent to be Stafford's top target in the absence of Nacua and Adams, then fall into a secondary role upon their respective returns. As a strong route runner who has primarily been in the slot, Downs would strike the right balance of price and talent for the Rams.
Rashod Bateman, Ravens
After acquiring Jacoby Brissett from the Cardinals, it appears Baltimore will avoid selling at this year's deadline despite its 4-5 record, attempting to make a comeback push to make the playoffs. But if the Ravens are willing to listen on some more expendable pieces, Rashod Bateman could be a name to watch. The 26-year-old is a starter for Baltimore, but he's not as critical to the passing game as veteran tight end Mark Andrews or star receiver Zay Flowers. Bateman, a 2021 first-round pick, has been a field-stretcher for Baltimore for years, peaking in 2024 with 756 yards and nine touchdowns. Bateman wouldn't cost much, but he is under team control through 2029, making him a longer-term acquisition. If the Rams want to add some speed—which could complement Nacua and Adams well later on—calling the Ravens could make sense.
Jerry Jeudy, Browns
Even with the Browns' unexpected 5-4 start, they do have at least one veteran name worth monitoring in trade talks. Jerry Jeudy has fallen behind in Cleveland's receiver rotation as Denzel Boston, K.C. Concepcion, and Harold Fannin Jr. have all emerged for the offense. Jeudy, 27, isn't the 1,000-yard threat he was a few years ago, but he could still be productive in the right environment. At the least, he's been a durable all-around wideout in his career, with 602 yards and two touchdowns last season. When called upon, including a big play against the Saints in Week 9, Jeudy has been reliable. He could partially fill the void of Adams and Nacua with a veteran presence, then step into a WR3 role later in the year.
Calvin Ridley, Titans
Similar to Jeudy, the Titans have a veteran wide receiver who's become out of place on a young team. Calvin Ridley is older than Jeudy (31) but has also peaked higher, owning three career 1,000-yard seasons, the latest of which came in 2024. That version of Ridley isn't returning, but he could be a cheap buy-low candidate who could bring a spark to the Rams' offense with some more targets. Ridley has just 13 targets in seven games this season, so it's been somewhat unclear what he still has to offer to an NFL offense as Tennessee has focused on Carnell Tate, Elic Ayomanor, and Wan'Dale Robinson. Ridley does not have any guaranteed money on his deal after this season, and he can still be a solid route-runner in the NFL.
Darius Slayton, free agent
Perhaps the Rams aren't willing to trade draft picks to get another receiver, especially after dealing two first-round picks to land Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie. They could look toward the free-agent market instead of a trade for a new receiver. Among the options available is longtime Giants receiver Darius Slayton, who finished with at least 500 yards in every season from 2022-25. Slayton was released by New York just before the 2026 season began, signed with the Colts, then was released on Oct. 16. Since then, Slayton has been available. He's proven enough for the Rams to show some interest, even if he wouldn't be a game-changing talent.
Tyreek Hill, free agent
The biggest name still available in free agency for all 32 NFL teams is also a massive question mark. Tyreek Hill still hasn't found a home after being released by the Dolphins last offseason following his gruesome leg injury. Hill's agent has suggested a possible return late this season, but it's remained unclear whether the receiver is healthy enough to play yet. If Hill is even half of his former self, he's a player a lot of contenders will be interested in, with some blazing speed that can be utilized even in limited opportunities. Even next to Nacua and Adams, Hill could make some sense as another former All-Pro on a team full of them. His speed could be useful in a limited number of snaps, while Nacua and Adams handle the short-range and red zone work. Hill appears to be making an NFL return at some point this season, though when is unclear. If he's ready, the Rams would be a fascinating fit.
Key Analysis
The Rams face a critical juncture with Nacua and Adams out, and their approach at the deadline will reveal whether they prioritize immediate help or long-term flexibility. Trading for a player like Thomas or Downs would require significant draft capital, while cheaper options like Jeudy or Ridley could provide stopgap production. Free-agent additions like Slayton or Hill carry less risk but also lower upside. With a tough schedule ahead, Los Angeles must weigh the cost of acquiring a receiver against the need to stay competitive in a crowded NFC playoff race.
Originally reported by sportingnews.