The Miami Dolphins have pulled off a rare player swap, sending wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Los Angeles Rams for Jarquez Hunter.
In what is a very rare sighting in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins have pulled off a huge player-for-player trade with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Dolphins have sent wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Rams in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter.
Atwell had not quite separated himself in camp in a significant way, and the young talent on the Miami roster had outpaced him for the starting positions. Additionally, adding more depth to the running back room was something that the Dolphins needed to do.
Hunter has been a preseason standout and a bubble roster player who would have had a tough time surpassing Ronnie Rivers for a spot on the Rams' 53-man roster. Now, he can carve out a role on the Dolphins.
During the first Rams preseason game, Hunter secured 35 yards on nine attempts for a 3.5-yard-per-carry average. He performed in a far more significant way in the second preseason outing, putting together 68 yards and one touchdown on 12 attempts for a 5.7-yard-per-carry average.
Miami has a strong start in Pro Bowl dual-threat back De'Von Achane, but beyond that has been a question mark.
Backup running backs Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon II have been battling it out with one another for the RB2 spot, but the Dolphins may have wanted to see more from both. Hunter will now presumably come in and push for a sizable role within the offense.
Miami is set for the their third and final preseason game on Friday against the Atlanta Falcons, and that could be the time in which head coach Jeff Hafley can see what Hunter can bring to the offense.
Should Hunter pull off another impressive performance, his stock could rise in a significant way.
Hafley has not quite indicated if starters will be on the field in the third and final preseason game, but seeing Wright, Gordon, and Hunter may prove that there is strong competition for who will be the backup and rotational player when Achane needs a rest.
The Dolphins are also expected to feature a strong running game, and adding a potential strong talent in Hunter proves that even more.
Achane may be a player who can be utilized more in play-action situations, as his ability to catch and run is also very dangerous. If that is the case, Hunter and the backup running backs could be used in exciting offensive schemes.
