Rams reacquire WR Tutu Atwell from Dolphins in trade for little-used RB Jarquez Hunter

The Los Angeles Rams have reacquired veteran receiver Tutu Atwell from the Miami Dolphins, trading for running back Jarquez Hunter. The Rams announced this surprising deal before their final preseason game against the Chargers. Atwell, drafted by the Rams in the second round in 2021, spent his first five seasons with the team, earning a Super Bowl ring as an injured rookie.

He had 81 catches for 1,045 yards in 2023 and 2024 but struggled to secure regular playing time due to his small size and perceived blocking deficiencies. Atwell signed a lucrative $10 million deal with the Rams last season but played in only 10 games due to injuries. When he was healthy, coach Sean McVay rarely featured Atwell, giving him just 16.5% of the Rams' offensive snaps.

Last season, Atwell had only six receptions, including the NFL's longest catch of 88 yards. The Rams traded Atwell for Hunter, a promising prospect who also didn't get significant playing time under McVay. With Nacua potentially suspended for his off-season transgressions, the Rams hoped reacquiring Atwell would alleviate any potential receiver shortages for the upcoming season.