How Tutu Atwell will impact Rams roster is still difficult to predict

After being franchise tagged in 2025 for a ridiculously lucrative $10 million, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell proceeded to have arguably his worst season, considering salary and expectations. Fans were left frustrated, incensed even, by the combination of overpayment and underperformance. And so, Atwell became the only member of last season's top-scoring offense left off the 2026 roster.

Or so we thought.

Atwell's return muddies the pecking order in LA's receiver room. The depth chart boasts two clear starters in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Now it's even less clear who will earn the coveted third receiver role.

While only Xavier Smith has speed that comes anywhere close to Atwell's, the offense has seemingly distanced itself further and further from the deep ball. Matthew Stafford can still sling the football from coast to coast, but his age and health history discourage scenarios where offensive lineman have to hold their blocks long enough to allow those downfield routes to develop.

Stafford's safety outweighs the need for explosive plays.

Adding Atwell raises questions in Rams receiver room

Reacquiring Atwell from the Miami Dolphins was the last move anybody expected. Yes, Atwell delivered some solid seasons. But 2025 was a slap in the face for many reasons. The Rams' insistence on keeping Atwell prompted them to overpay for his speed despite having no plan for how to fully harness his skill set.

The offense had no real need for Atwell last season. Why would the Rams want him back? The only explanation that makes sense is that they were dissatisfied with the lack of a clear front-runner among younger receivers.

Here's one possible version of the depth chart:

First team: Puka Nacua, Davante Adams

Second team: Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Tutu Atwell

Third team: Xavier Smith, CJ Daniels

Practice squad: Brennan Presley, Alex Bachman

Whittington and Mumpfield sat throughout the preseason, all but guaranteeing their roster spots. But GM Les Snead and company felt the need for speed. Perhaps even more surprising, Atwell gives the 53-man unit seven wide receivers plus five tight ends.

That's a curious use of roster spots for a team that needs depth along the offensive line. The need for offensive linemen will not suddenly dissipate at some point this season.

Yes, the speedy Atwell can absolutely contribute to this offense. That applies only if he is targeted, though, and that's anybody's guess. He's proven to be an offensive weapon when deployed. Head coach Sean McVay can always use more of those; he just has to use them.

When push comes to shove - and those moments will come - who will be bumped from the roster to make room for players returning to health (offensive linemen Justin Dedich and Keagen Trost)? Is carrying seven wideouts a tenable long-term arrangement? Will Atwell be the sacrificial lamb? Or will McVay attempt to move a younger player to the practice squad?

Atwell's return is certainly a wild-card that no one expected. Only time will tell the Rams' next play.

As always, thanks for reading.

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