Locals in NFL free agency: Puka Nacua's 3rd season will look familiar to BYU fans

AROUND THE SHIELD — Puka Nacua will reconnect with an old flame in his third season with the Los Angeles Rams.

The former Orem High and BYU wide receiver will switch from his No. 17 jersey to No. 12, his old college number, he announced Tuesday.

Nacua has worn the No. 12 in some variation for most of his life. Originally worn by his older sister, Chanel, while playing basketball, the younger Nacua picked it up in little league not long after.

It was also the number worn by older brother Kai, a former high school quarterback and BYU safety who recently re-signed with the Michigan Panthers in the UFL, as well as Samson, who played wide receiver at both Utah and BYU after a standout career at Timpview High.

"Having watched my other siblings wear it, this is my opportunity to put on the special No. 12," Nacua told the Rams' team website. "The opportunity to put on the one-two meant a lot to me."

The change frees up the No. 17 jersey for Davante Adams, who reportedly signed with Los Angeles after a career that included stops with the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets — all wearing No. 17. Adams will join the Rams on a two-year, $46-million deal that includes $26 million guaranteed, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rappoport.

Barton heads to Tennessee

Former Utah linebacker Cody Barton reached an agreement on a three-year, $21 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, ESPN reported Monday.

The 28-year-old Brighton High alum leaves Denver after a one-year, $2.5 million deal last March, when Barton was projected to be a special-teams role player — and ended up being one of the Broncos' most reliable linebackers after Alex Singleton suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 3 of the regular season.

Barton used the extra time to total 106 tackles, two interceptions, a fumble return for a touchdown and five passes defended in a career-high 1,053 defensive snaps.

Wilson lands in Miami

Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson confirmed via his own social media that he had reached a deal with the Miami Dolphins on Monday.

The Corner Canyon product signed a one-year, $6 million fully guaranteed deal that could grow to as much as $10 million, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 24-year-old former first-round draft pick of the New York Jets spent last season with the Broncos, where he was traded for a sixth-round pick and a seventh-rounder in April's draft. He battled rookie Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham for the job, but gave way to Nix and did not play a snap in the regular season.

Patriots sign Tonga to 1-year deal

Former BYU and Granger High defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga signed a one-year, $2.7-million deal with the New England Patriots, ESPN's Mike Reiss first reported. The 6-foot-4, 338-pound defensive lineman joins the Patriots after playing in 13 games, including one start, for the Arizona Cardinals last year.

Two former locals staying put

Former Utah State star Bobby Wagner has opted to re-sign with the Washington Commanders, according to the team's website.

The 10-time Pro Bowler broke out at 34 years old last year in the nation's capitol, starting 17 regular-season games and totaling 132 tackles, two sacks, 10 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, four passes defended and two fumble recoveries.

It's his 13th straight season with at least 100 tackles, one of just two tackles in NFL history with such a mark (London Fletcher, 1998-2013).

Also re-signing with his current team, former BYU offensive tackle Brady Christensen agreed to a one-year, $2.78 million fully guaranteed deal Tuesday to remain with the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

The 28-year-old Bountiful High alum has started 30 games in his career, including 17 at left guard in 2022 before starting six last year, including two at left tackle — his primary position at BYU.

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