Tutu Atwell can still provide a spark if the Rams use him in specific ways

The Los Angeles Rams realized that second-year running back Jarquez Hunter had no chance of making the roster. And so, they traded him to the Miami Dolphins for former Horns receiver Tutu Atwell. While the move certainly relieves the logjam at running back, it creates even more pressure in the receiver room.

The Rams have had impressive preseason performances from second-year running back Jordan Waters and rookie Dean Connors. One or both are likely to make the practice squad. And with fresh legs available, Hunter became superfluous.

To be fair, he was never going to survive the waiver wire en route to the practice squad, anyway.

But trading for Atwell creates an entire new set of questions. While the obvious ones are how this will affect the depth chart, perhaps the more complex question is how the Rams intend to use Atwell in 2026.

After all, he knows the system; he spent five years in the organization from 2021-25. He is blessed with superhero speed. Could it be that LA regretted letting him walk away?

Well, with his re-arrival, the entire 2025 offense now returns intact.

Adding Tutu Atwell could help Rams navigate Puka Nacua absence

Rams fans know Atwell, and Atwell knows LA's offense. That may be why the Rams pursued Atwell as the return piece in trading Hunter. But their current rookies already face the lack-of-use syndrome that plagued Atwell's career in Los Angeles.

His return will only complicate the matter.

But LA just upgraded its roster, if for no other reason than to bolster its experience. And if the Rams are to survive any league-mandated suspension for Puka Nacua, Atwell will at least give them another target in the room.

Of course, many fans are still smarting from the Atwell experience: the Rams paid him $10 million last season Atwell and he gave them very little. That said, his speed makes him a downfield threat on any play. If the offense seems short on explosive playmakers without Nacua, Atwell will help restore that big-gain threat, at least to some degree.

3 other reasons adding Atwell makes sense

1. Atwell is perfectly suited for a tight-end centric offense

When the Rams run heavy personnel, defenses counter by crowding the box. That's an ideal setting to spring Atwell's speed on a lone defensive back who has no chance to keep pace. Atwell is the overdrive to an offense already geared up to gain the tough yards.

2. Atwell can be a special performer on special teams

Atwell's speed makes him a viable option as a kickoff and/or punt returner. The Rams emphasized modest but meaningful upgrades on special teams all offseason. Watching Atwell return kicks could be a treat.

3. Atwell can play Smith's role, only better

Los Angeles has seemingly decided to keep Xavier Smith on the roster for one more season. But here's the thing: Atwell can do everything that Smith can do, only better. In an all-in year, reacquiring Atwell is an intriguing final piece to the puzzle that puts Smith's role in question.

As always, thanks for reading.

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