The Los Angeles Rams lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Philadelphia Eagles in what could be the final game of the Tutu Atwell Era. A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Atwell overcame a historically slow start to establish himself as a reliable third option in this offense. Paired with Matthew Stafford, the Louisville product finished his fourth season with 42 receptions for 562 yards and no touchdowns. While these are respectable numbers, the impending free agent could seek a larger opportunity on the open market.
Since joining the Rams, Tutu Atwell has been buried on the depth chart behind veteran Cooper Kupp and, more recently, fifth-round sensation Puka Nacua. Atwell likely won’t ever be a 1,000-yard receiver, but the veteran could earn a larger role away from players with established target hogs. With Matthew Stafford reportedly contemplating retirement, don’t be surprised if Atwell signs with any of the following five teams.
5 Teams That Could Sign Tutu Atwell If He Leaves the Rams
New England Patriots
Outside of quarterback, the New England Patriots must address just about every position on the roster. Fortunately, they have the money to do this, as the team is projected to have over $120 million in cap space. While the entire team needs help, most of the resources should go toward making life easy for first-round pick Drake Maye. Tutu Atwell alone will not fix this unit, but adding the Rams castoff and a big-name receiver like Tee Higgins should give Maye the tools he needs to succeed in 2025.
New Orleans Saints
Unlike the Patriots, the New Orleans Saints do not have the cap space to go after high-priced free agents. While General Manager Mickey Loomis will restructure deals to create spending money, he must buy low on established veterans to fill all the holes on this roster. Tutu Atwell was a 500-yard player who improved every year in a crowded wide receiver room, so perhaps he can continue to grow away from the Rams. Seeing as he shouldn’t fetch much on the open market, it can’t hurt to bring him in and see what he can do.
Los Angeles Chargers
Head coach Jim Harbaugh knows he must improve the wide receiver room. After parting ways with the overpriced Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the first-year head coach relied on rookie Ladd McConkey and second-year pro Quentin Johnston throughout the season. While McConkey was up for the task, Johnston is better in a supporting role. Harbaugh wants to run the ball, but adding Atwell as a home run threat could be a perfect fit for the strong-armed Justin Herbert.
Pittsburgh Steelers
No matter who is the quarterback next year, the Pittsburgh Steelers need another wide receiver. Trade rumors surround George Pickens, as the talented wide receiver may be more trouble than he’s worth. Unfortunately, he’s the only promising receiver on the depth chart, as Mike Williams couldn’t recapture his previous form and the rest of the depth chart is comprised of unremarkable role players. Tutu Atwell might not be a star, but he could compete for targets in this offense.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens traded for Diontae Johnson because they wanted a complementary wide receiver to ease the burden on Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. That didn’t work out largely because Johnson wouldn’t accept a reduced role. Tutu Atwell has experience in this type of role and could have a career season catching passes from an MVP-caliber quarterback in Lamar Jackson.
Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez – USA Today Sports
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