The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant move in their offseason strategy by re-signing wide receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed contract. This decision, reported by Cameron DaSilva via X at 08:45 PST, marks a pivotal moment for both the player and the franchise as they head into the 2025 season. Atwell, a former second-round pick whose career has been a mix of untapped potential and gradual emergence, now finds himself locked in with the Rams for another year. This article dives into the details of the re-signing, Atwell’s journey, the implications for the Rams’ roster, and what this means for their future.
Tutu Atwell’s Journey with the Rams
Drafted 57th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Louisville, Tutu Atwell arrived in Los Angeles with a reputation for blazing speed (4.32-second 40-yard dash) but questions about his slight frame (5-foot-9, 165 pounds). His rookie year was a washout—zero receptions and a season-ending shoulder injury after eight games. For a second-round pick, it was an inauspicious start, and some fans began to label him a bust.
However, Atwell showed signs of life in 2022, catching 18 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown, often flashing his speed on deep routes and gadget plays. In 2023, he took another step forward with 39 receptions for 483 yards and three touchdowns, proving he could contribute in a crowded receiver room headlined by Cooper Kupp and the emerging Puka Nacua. The 2024 season was his most productive yet: 42 catches for 562 yards, averaging 13.4 yards per reception, though he didn’t find the end zone. His career-high yardage came amid injuries to Kupp and Nacua, highlighting his ability to step up when needed.
Despite these strides, Atwell’s role remained limited, with a snap share hovering around 39% in 2024 and frequent games with two or fewer targets. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged this underutilization in September 2024, noting, “It makes you realize he probably should have gotten other opportunities. He’s always been called upon and he’s always kind of delivered.” This sentiment, shared via an X post by @bgrisakTST, foreshadowed the Rams’ decision to keep him in the fold.
Rams, WR Tutu Atwell agree on a 1-year, $10M fully guaranteed contract. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/ugj404O1V6
— NFL (@NFL) March 6, 2025
The Contract: Breaking Down the $10 Million Deal
The one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed contract is a notable commitment for a player of Atwell’s profile. For context, earlier projections pegged his market value at around $4 million annually, reflecting his status as a rotational contributor rather than a star. The $10 million figure—fully guaranteed—suggests the Rams see untapped potential and are willing to bet on his growth in 2025. It’s a significant raise from his rookie deal (a four-year, $5.9 million contract with a $1.6 million signing bonus) and positions him as one of the higher-paid depth receivers in the league for the upcoming season.
Posts on X, including DaSilva’s report, describe the deal as “pretty big” for a player who’s been “underutilized,” hinting at surprise within the fanbase and analyst circles. This investment could signal a shift in McVay’s offensive philosophy—or at least a determination to maximize Atwell’s speed in a way that hasn’t been fully realized.
Why the Rams Re-Signed Atwell
Several factors likely drove this decision:
- Roster Continuity Amid Uncertainty: The Rams’ wide receiver room is in flux. Cooper Kupp is on the trade block, with GM Les Snead pushing to finalize a deal soon, per the Los Angeles Times (March 5, 2025). Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson are also free agents, and while Puka Nacua remains a cornerstone, the depth chart thins quickly without Atwell. His re-signing ensures a familiar face for Matthew Stafford, who agreed to a restructured contract on February 28, 2025, to stay with the team.
- Speed as a Strategic Asset: Atwell’s elite speed remains a rare commodity. Even as a part-time player, he forces defenses to account for the deep ball, creating space for others. With Kupp’s potential departure, the Rams may lean harder on Atwell’s vertical threat to diversify their attack.
- Cost vs. Potential: At 25 years old, Atwell is still young with minimal wear-and-tear. The $10 million deal is a one-year gamble—pricey for a WR3/4, but a bargain if he breaks out. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move compared to chasing a pricier free agent like Chris Godwin or Keenan Allen.
- McVay’s Confidence: McVay’s earlier comments suggest regret over not featuring Atwell more. This contract could be a vote of confidence, giving the coaching staff a mandate to scheme him into the offense creatively.
Implications for the Rams’ 2025 Season
The re-signing reshapes the Rams’ outlook. If Kupp is traded—his $29.78 million cap hit in 2025 makes it likely—Atwell could slide into a WR2 role alongside Nacua, with Jordan Whittington (a 2024 rookie standout with 293 yards) and others vying for WR3 duties. Stafford’s return stabilizes the quarterback position, and retaining veterans like Rob Havenstein and Tyler Higbee (per Sports Illustrated, March 3, 2025) bolsters the offense further.
However, questions linger. Atwell’s zero touchdowns in 2024 and inconsistent target volume raise doubts about his readiness for a bigger role. The Rams could still draft a receiver—mock drafts like Sports Illustrated’s (February 10, 2025) suggest a vertical threat to replace Atwell’s skill set if he falters—or sign a veteran to hedge their bets. The $10 million commitment also eats into cap space, potentially limiting moves elsewhere, like re-signing left tackle Alaric Jackson.
The Bigger Picture
This move comes as the Rams balance competing priorities. After a 10-7 season and a Divisional Round loss to the Eagles, they’re not rebuilding but retooling. Stafford’s restructured deal and Atwell’s re-signing signal a “win-now” mindset, yet the Kupp trade talks hint at a longer-term reset. Snead and McVay must navigate a loaded NFC West, where depth and versatility are paramount.
For Atwell, this is a golden opportunity. The $10 million contract is both a reward for his 2024 growth and a challenge to prove he’s more than a speed merchant. If he thrives, he could cement himself as a key piece of the Rams’ future—or set himself up for a bigger payday in 2026. If he stagnates, the Rams may rue the investment.
Conclusion
The Rams’ decision to re-sign Tutu Atwell as of March 6, 2025, is a bold stroke in an offseason full of uncertainty. It reflects faith in his potential, a need for continuity, and a willingness to take a calculated risk. As the offseason unfolds—Kupp’s fate, free agency, and the draft will all play out in the coming weeks—Atwell’s re-signing stands as a defining early move. Whether it pays off will depend on McVay’s ability to unlock his talents and Atwell’s capacity to seize the moment. For now, Rams fans can take solace in knowing a familiar speedster will be back in horns for 2025.
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