Full Breakdown
Rams Reacquire Tutu Atwell in Player-for-Player Trade with the Miami Dolphins
8/28/2026, 1:48:30 AM
Trade Details
On August 27, 2026 the Los Angeles Rams completed a player-for-player exchange, sending running back Jarquez Hunter to the Miami Dolphins and receiving wide receiver Tutu Atwell in return. Atwell, 26, had signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with Miami on March 13, 2026, after five seasons with the Rams. Hunter, 23, was a fourth-round pick of the Rams in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Background & Context
Atwell entered the league as the Rams’ second-round pick (57th overall) in 2021. In five seasons he logged 105 catches for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns, peaking in 2024 with 42 receptions for 562 yards. He re-signed for 2025 on a fully guaranteed $10 million deal but recorded only six receptions for 192 yards as the offense shifted toward three-tight-end sets.
The Dolphins added Atwell in free agency but already had three rookie receivers—Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr.—making him expendable. Hunter, an Auburn product who led the SEC with a 6.4-yard-per-carry average in 2024, appeared in five games as a rookie special-teamer. The Rams, with a backfield that includes Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers, deemed him surplus.
Data & Statistics
- Tutu Atwell (Rams, 2021-2025): 105 receptions, 1,535 yards, five TDs; 64 games, 27 starts.
- 2025 season: 6 receptions, 192 yards, 1 TD; 10 games, 16.5 % of offensive snaps.
- Jarquez Hunter (Rams, 2025 rookie): 5 games, 22 special-teams snaps; no offensive carries.
- College (Auburn) – Hunter: 3,371 rushing yards, 25 TDs, 6.3 YPC; 68 receptions for 558 yards, four TDs.
- Contracts: Atwell’s 2026 Miami deal $1.4 million (guaranteed $1.075 million). Hunter’s remaining Rams contract three years, $3.3 million total, 2026 cap hit $1.25 million.
Official Statements & Responses
Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Hunter’s preseason run as “awesome” and noted the Rams “don’t fully believe in” the younger receivers behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, prompting the acquisition of Atwell. The Rams’ press release highlighted Atwell’s familiarity with McVay’s system and his speed as depth for a receiver group that includes Adams, Nacua, Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield and rookie CJ Daniels. Miami framed the trade as a move to add backfield depth behind De’Von Achane, citing Hunter’s physical style and college production.
Impact & Why It Matters
- Wide-Receiver Depth: Atwell returns to a Rams offense that now often runs three-tight-end formations, giving him a potential third-receiver or deep-ball role.
- Running-Back Flexibility: Moving Hunter clears about $0.05 million in cap space and frees a roster spot in a backfield already deep.
- Cap Considerations: Atwell’s 2026 contract is roughly one-tenth of his 2025 salary, allowing the Rams to reallocate resources.
- Miami Fit: Hunter joins a Dolphins backfield with Achane, Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright, providing a power-running complement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact financial terms of Atwell’s 2025 contract—some cite a fully guaranteed $10 million deal, others a $1.2 million cap figure for 2026. The breakdown of guaranteed versus non-guaranteed portions remains unclear. Analysts also vary on Atwell’s projected role, ranging from a distant third option to a situational specialist given the team’s three-tight-end emphasis.
What’s Next
The Rams will evaluate Atwell in their final preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers before setting the 53-man roster. The Dolphins will assess Hunter’s fit during the remaining preseason contests as they shape the depth chart behind De’Von Achane.
