Will Tutu Atwell be on the roster by the end of the season?

Could this be the last season we see Tutu Atwell on the Rams?

Since being drafted in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, Tutu Atwell has been a popular target of debate amongst Los Angeles Rams fans and the conversation will continue well into the 2024 NFL season. Now in a contract year this will be his best opportunity to earn an extension or put out good enough tape to be a sought-out free agent target in the offseason, but that opportunity relies heavily on his ability to see the field.

Atwell is predicted to be the fourth receiver on the team behind Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, and Demarcus Robinson and with all three receivers coming into the season healthy Atwell’s chances to live up to his second round draft pick could fall short.

What does the future hold for the former Louisville standout?

Atwell earns his paycheck

Could this year be the one that Sean McVay finally figures out how to utilize Atwell? If the beginning of last season is any indication, that could very well be the case. With Kupp out to start the season Atwell put together his best string of games.

Week 1 vs. Seattle Seahawks

6 cates on 8 targets, receiving 119 yards, a long of 44.

Week 2 vs. San Francisco 49ers

7 catches on 9 targets, receiving 77 yards, a long of 18.

Week 3 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

4 catches on 9 targets, 50 receiving yards, 22 rushing yards, and a long of 37.

After the Week 3 loss against the Bengals and Kupp made his way back on to the field Atwell appeared to have lost Stafford’s favor. The promising start of the season that saw him make 17 catches in the three games ended with just 39 catches and 483 receiving yards (246 of which came in the first three games). Even though Atwell’s usage was minimized for the majority of the season, his early success gave hope that he could very well become the receiver that he was drafted to be and may have foreshadowed his best year yet in 2024. If he over-achieves and doubles his output from last year he could find himself cashing in a hefty paycheck in a expensive wide receiver market.

Atwell gets traded

It was no secret that LA was in talks of searching for another veteran WR to pair with Kupp and Puca with rumors of Les Snead going after Mike Evans and being a potential team to land Davante Adams through trade. With the core of the receiver room well established and a yet another possible hidden gem in Rams rookie Jordan Whittington, Atwell would be the odd man out. Los Angeles is notorious for flipping picks for established players but they are also not afraid to offer players in the package as well, the most note-worthy being Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford. If Snead can find a trade partner before the deadline, Atwell could find himself on another team by the end of the season. Last year the Rams traded away Van Jefferson in a contract year and a similar situation could take place in 2024.

Atwell underperforms and signs a team-friendly deal

“I ain’t going nowhere else. I love McVay. He is one of the best coaches ever.”- Tutu Atwell on the NoBluffinPodcast.

Atwell could very well turn out a similar season as his last three—a few good highlights followed by an impressive disappearing act. Without much film to entice suitors Snead and McVay lure him into signing a three year deal that is under league average, which may be a win-win scenario for all those involved. Atwell will have three more years to show up on tape with Stafford throwing him the ball, McVay will have a speedster who can clear the field for Puca with the ability to take the top off of the defense, and Atwell could be relied on once again if Kupp’s contract isn’t renewed or becomes a trade target. Another Super Bowl ring wouldn’t be half bad either.

What do you think the future holds for Atwell? Is this the season he finally breaks out or will it be yet another disappointing year?