Just days before final roster cuts, the Los Angeles Rams made a shocking and unexpected trade. They acquired Tutu Atwell from the Miami Dolphins for running back Jarquez Hunter – a rare player-for-player trade.
Atwell left in free agency five months ago but now comes back to the Rams for his sixth season with the team. He adds depth to the wide receiver room, while the Rams simultaneously move on from Hunter, their 2025 fourth-round pick.
Here are five quick thoughts on the Rams' trade for Atwell.
Is Puka Nacua going to miss time?
The first thing that comes to mind with the Rams acquiring another receiver is the possibility of Nacua being suspended or missing time due to his psoas injury. Adam Schefter of ESPN already alluded to the possibility of Nacua missing Week 1 due to a suspension,
and with Atwell coming back, the Rams now have an outside receiver they know well who could fill in if needed.
Even if Nacua is suspended, it's not expected to be a very long absence for the Rams receiver – likely no more than two games. But in the event that he is suspended, the Rams now have a wideout with experience in their offensive system.
Sean McVay never trusted Jarquez Hunter
McVay made a telling statement this week when talking about how much he trusts Ronnie Rivers, both as a runner and pass protector. He even said that if Kyren Williams or Blake Corum were to go down, Rivers is the guy he trusts. It wasn't pointed at Hunter, but it became evident that McVay didn't trust Hunter when it came to the little things.
It's why he didn't play a single snap last season and was playing deep into preseason games this summer. He was on the roster bubble and may have been unlikely to make the team, so rather than cutting him, the Rams got something in return for him.
It's not much, though, especially considering they just used a fourth-round pick on him last year and gave up another selection to move up for him.
Rams aren't sold on their WRs behind Nacua and Adams
The Rams are expected to use a committee at WR3 behind Nacua and Davante Adams, which includes Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington. Xavier Smith and CJ Daniels are also in the mix to play meaningful snaps. But with this acquisition of Atwell, it's a sign that the Rams don't fully believe in their younger receivers.
Daniels is only a sixth-round rookie, and while some thought he would contribute significantly in his first season, that may not be the case. Smith is a gadget guy with good speed, but might his roster spot now be in danger with Atwell being another deep threat?
Terrance Ferguson is the player to watch as the No. 3 option on offense, even though he's technically a tight end.
The door is open for Dean Connors or Jordan Waters
Connors was already making some noise at running back, as was Waters. They've both played well in the preseason and now with Hunter gone, the door is open for one of them to make the 53-man roster. It's more likely that the Rams will carry just three running backs and keep a couple of guys on the practice squad, but there's a chance Connors or Waters made enough of an impression to secure a spot on the roster.
Atwell probably still won't play a big role
Atwell played 187 snaps on offense and was targeted a whopping 15 times last season. And that was with the Rams needing a true No. 3 receiver. Now, they're even deeper at the position and have leaned into 13 personnel more. What are the chances Atwell does much of anything on offense after spending the offseason in Miami?
Probably not great.
Don't expect Atwell to play a significant role this season, even if the Rams could use a deep threat. He was used sparingly in five years with the team, and that probably won't change much this season.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: 5 quick thoughts on Rams trading Jarquez Hunter for Tutu Atwell
