When the Rams played without their top two wide receivers in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua for an extended period of time earlier in the 2024 season, Tutu Atwell was one of the biggest beneficiaries.
His best games of the season came in Weeks 3-7, when he had four catches for 93 yards against the 49ers, four catches for 82 yards against the Bears, six catches for 58 yards against the Packers, then six catches for 51 yards against the Raiders. He was a starter in each of those four games.
All told, it accounted for the bulk of his production in what turned into a career season with new bests in receptions (42) and receiving yards (562).
Now, Atwell is a pending unrestricted free agent with his rookie contract set to expire at the start of the new league year on March 12.
By re-signing Atwell, the Rams would retain a proven explosive playmaker in the passing game. His 13.4 yards per reception were second-most among Los Angeles' receivers in 2024 behind Demarcus Robinson's 16.3. He also is capable of playing all three receiver positions in L.A.'s offense.
If the Rams and Atwell go separate ways, rookie Jordan Whittington is a possible internal next-man-up candidate, although his size (6-foot-1, 202 lbs) and speed are different than Atwell's (5-9, 165). Los Angeles has also used the draft and free agency to address the position, the most recent example in free agency being Demarcus Robinson.
