The Los Angeles Rams made an intriguing offensive adjustment by trading with the Miami Dolphins to bring back wide receiver Tutu Atwell, sending running back Jarquez Hunter to Miami. Atwell, a former second-round pick in 2021, played five seasons for the Rams before hitting free agency earlier this offseason and signing with the Dolphins. Now he returns to Los Angeles in a deal that addresses a clear depth need while the Rams part with a player who couldn’t crack the rotation.

Salary and contract implications

The financial impact on both sides is minimal. The Rams will absorb $1.215 million from Atwell’s base salary, while the Dolphins keep his signing bonus of $187,500. Hunter, heading to Miami, is set to make $1.005 million in the second year of his contract. The advantage for the Dolphins is that Hunter remains under contract for three more years because he was a fourth-round pick in 2025, while Atwell is under contract for only one season. That’s not ideal in terms of resources for the Rams, but the deal makes sense for Los Angeles because the team needed a wide receiver more than it needed Hunter at backup running back.

Wide receiver depth was the bigger concern

At running back, the Rams have Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers all ahead of Hunter, who was the fourth back in the rotation. Los Angeles will for the most part play 11 personnel under coach Sean McVay, and when they don’t, they’ll use 12 or 13 personnel. The usage of multiple backs in the same formation is rare in McVay’s philosophy, making Hunter’s path to meaningful snaps almost nonexistent.

Meanwhile, Atwell’s return addresses a legitimate need. The Rams have Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and Jordan Whittington in the slot as their top three options. Beyond them, the backup group includes Konata Mumpfield, CJ Daniels, Xavier Smith, Tyler Scott, Tru Edwards, Brennan Presley, and Alex Bachman. Those players are not necessarily what Los Angeles would prefer putting in those spots. While the Rams will presumably rely almost exclusively on their top three receivers, Atwell offers proven depth from a player who already knows McVay’s system well.

Atwell’s best season came in 2024, when he recorded 42 catches for 562 yards. He was also part of the Rams’ Super Bowl championship team after the 2021 season.

Based on what the Rams are expected to be this year and what they need right now, this trade makes sense. It corrects the decision to let Atwell walk in free agency, considering he carries a low salary and brings extensive experience in the offense. It’s not a blockbuster move by any stretch, but it’s a solid, practical decision.

Grade: B-