The Los Angeles Rams are adding a familiar face to the fold ahead of the 2026 NFL season as they look to emerge as a top Super Bowl 61 contender.
The Rams are acquiring veteran receiver Tutu Atwell from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter.
Atwell, 26, spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rams after being selected in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The 5-9, 165-pound wide-out served as a situational speed threat for Los Angeles and generated 105 catches for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns across 64 games (27 starts) with the franchise.
Atwell signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with the Dolphins in 2026 free agency after his most recent deal with the Rams expired. Now, he will return to Los
Angeles to provide Sean McVay experienced depth at the receiver position.
Here's everything to know about the Atwell trade and how he fits with the Rams.
Tutu Atwell trade details
Rams get:
- WR Tutu Atwell
Dolphins get:
- RB Jarquez Hunter
The Rams brought Atwell back in a rare, player-for-player trade, as Los Angeles sent Hunter to Miami to consummate the deal.
The Rams selected Hunter in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Auburn product appeared in five games during his rookie campaign but played exclusively on special teams, logging 22 snaps. The 23-year-old was given extensive run during the 2026 preseason, generating 103 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, and will compete with Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright for playing time behind Dolphins starter De'Von Achane.
Rams WR depth chart
Meanwhile, Atwell will provide an extra layer of depth behind Los Angeles' top two wide-outs, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Below is a look at the current projected pecking order within the Rams' receiver room, according to the team's unofficial depth chart.
- Puka Nacua
- Davante Adams
- Jordan Whittington
- Konata Mumpfield
- Tutu Atwell
- Xavier Smith
- CJ Daniels
Atwell ranked sixth on the Rams in offensive snaps played last season behind Nacua, Adams, Whittington, Mumpfield and Smith. However, it's worth noting he missed seven regular-season games due to injury and likely would have out-snapped Smith if healthy.
Nonetheless, Atwell will find himself competing for the top backup job in Los Angeles' receiving corps. Mumpfield, Smith and Daniels, a sixth-round rookie, will serve as the 26-year-old's main competition for a roster spot and playing time.
Tutu Atwell contract details
Atwell is on a modest, one-year deal worth just a bit more than the veteran minimum. Below are the full details of his contract, per Spotrac.com.
- Term: 1 year
- Total value: $1.4 million
- Average annual value (AAV): $1.4 million
- Guaranteed money: $1.2 million
The cost of Atwell's 2026 deal is far cheaper than the one-year, $10 million contract the Rams gave him for the 2025 NFL season.
Tutu Atwell stats
Atwell is coming off a 2025 season during which he made only six catches while logging 192 yards and a touchdown.
For his career, Atwell has made 105 catches for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 14.6 yards per reception. He also has totaled 72 yards and a touchdown on 16 career carries, though he hasn't logged a rushing attempt since 2024.
Atwell also returned kicks and punts as a rookie in 2021. He averaged 17.4 yards per kick return and 5.4 yards on punt returns.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rams trade for familiar face to bolster WR depth chart for 2026
