Rams $10 million disappointment may have played his last snap for Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Rams have to regroup. It was a good season, finishing just two wins from being the best team in the NFL. That places the team among the top four teams in professional football. But it was not all wine and roses. Mistakes were made on the football field and by the front office.

But the most glaring gaffe by general manager Les Snead and company was extending promising speedster, wide receiver Tutu Atwell.

It wasn't necessarily something he did or didn't do. LA had decided to part ways with wide receivers Tyler Johnson, Demarcus Robinson, and Cooper Kupp. Apparently, the team felt losing four contributing receivers simultaneously was crossing the line. To avoid that snafu, Tutu Atwell was re-signed for one year at $10 million.

To sit on the bench.

No, the team was not scrambling to free up salary cap expense in 2025. But Atwell showed up in 10 of 17 games, caught just six of fifteen passes thrown his way, and didn't play at all in the playoffs. He earned $1.67 million per reception. In terms of wages, he was the fourth-highest paid player on the team.

Oh dear.

Rams remodeled offense eliminated Tutu Atwell's role

Fans may be frustrated by the Horns overpaying for a seldom-used player. But don't take it out on the former Louisville speedster. He showed up and was willing to do whatever the team asked of him. But with primary targets from the wide receiver room named Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, there was nothing left for Atwell.

The team ignored Atwell's fit in multiple tight end formations, opting to go with the more seasoned veterans. As a result, the remodeled offense inadvertently eliminated his role. With nothing to contribute, he sat.

For $10 million, fans rightfully became frustrated.

Investing in the smallish receiver was not a bad idea. He has shown steady growth in a very limited role. He caught 42 of 62 passes in 2024 for 562 yards. Even head coach Sean McVay committed to using Atwell in a more significant role this season.

That never happened.

Failed experiment? It is more correctly termed a change of plans. Since veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford could not participate in training camp, the offense pivoted to securing his ability to connect with his two primary receivers.

Atwell can put up 1000 receiving yards and burn secondaries in the right scheme. But he was refurbished out of a role in this offense.

As always, thanks for reading.