Rams Pull Off Rare Trade With Dolphins for WR Tutu Atwell

The Los Angeles Rams acquire wide receiver Tutu Atwell from the Miami Dolphins in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter.

Atwell spent the first five seasons of his career with the Rams before signing a one-year deal with the Dolphins in March 2026. 

Now, Atwell will head back to Los Angeles after only spending the last five months in South Beach. 

The Rams drafted Atwell with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

It was a surprising choice back then, and it's been a questionable decision for Los Angeles since. Atwell was never able to find his footing with the Rams. He'd have very few flashes during his tenure as a Ram, but nothing ever materialized afterward. 

In 2025, Atwell played only 10 games, with four starts, and tallied six catches on 15 targets for 192 yards and one touchdown. He recorded career lows across the board and did not play a snap in the Rams' three playoff games. 

Atwell's time in Los Angeles was one to forget. He has tallied 105 receptions for 1,535 receiving yards, five touchdowns, and averaged 24 receiving yards per game. Atwell played 64 games as a Ram and started 27.

As the 2026 season approaches, it’s unclear what type of role Atwell will play with the Rams. 

The biggest question mark for the Rams' offense is the WR3 position. Things are still unclear in that regard, with a handful of players trying to make their case, like Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith and rookie CJ Daniels. 

The Rams' wide receiver room is top-heavy rather than deep, with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams leading the way. That's been the case for most of Atwell's tenure in Los Angeles, and he still struggled to make an impact despite opportunities there.

As for Hunter, the Rams drafted the running back 117th overall in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Hunter was far from a contributor as a rookie with the Rams. In his first and only season in Los Angeles, the former Auburn Tiger played in only five games, contributing only on special teams. 

Hunter, 23, was competing for a roster spot with the Rams and will now have a solid opportunity to play with a rebuilding Dolphins team. 

The Dolphins could use some depth at the running back position outside of De'Von Achane, and they get that now with Hunter. 

Before the trade, Hunter was solid in Saturday’s preseason against the Saints, recording 12 carries for 68 yards and one touchdown.