One of the most disappointing outcomes of the 2025 season for the Los Angeles Rams was Tutu Atwell’s disappearing act. Atwell signed a one-year, $10M deal last offseason to return to LA after the expiration of his rookie contract. The receiver finished with six catches for 192 yards and a touchdown. The Rams effectively paid him $1.67M per reception or $52,000 per yard depending on how you want to look at it.
Sean McVay recently explained how the Rams entered the season with a plan for Atwell that went by the wayside when the overall structure of the offense changed:
“Well, I think the first thing is, the vision that we had for what our offense was going to be going into the season, and then what it became organically was very different – just based on the number of receivers that we played with in a lot of situations,” McVay said. “Part of the thought process when we made that signing last year was that we were going to still be in a lot of the 11 personnel grouping. You have him and Puka (Nacua) and Davante (Adams) and then, you know, the complementary pieces. And then unfortunately, he had some injuries. There were some different things that went on where, hey, the games continue to go when he missed the period of time. And then when we kind of organically figured out this next iteration, where we leaned into a lot of the 13 personnel, that naturally just takes receivers off the grass.”
“I love the human being,” McVay said. “I think the more I do this, it’s so much more about the relationships that are built – and I know that’s not what you’re asking me, but that’s where that means a lot. He’s let me into his life. I love him.”
“I wish I really could have done better, but I always still have a responsibility for what I think is best for our football team,” he continued. “And if you were to ask me right now what our offense or defense or in the kicking game is going to look like, we have visions and in a lot of instances, they go according to plan. And then sometimes they organically adjust and adapt as the season unfolds. And that’s really what last year entailed. And I’m not trying to make any excuses. That’s just the truth.”
Atwell is a good receiver. He’s performed well and has been productive when given opportunity, whether intentional or in a pinch because of injuries to others. Atwell plays bigger than his slight size and is one of the fastest players on the field when he steps between the white lines.
While the Rams weren’t able to put his abilities towards their best use, I wouldn’t be shocked if another team can maximize his potential.
Imagine Atwell on the Kansas City Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes averaged 23.1 yards per completion when throwing to another missed draft pick in Tyquan Thorton this season. While Thornton was productive and in part shed his status as a draft bust, Mahomes completed only 51% of the passes thrown his direction. The duo left a lot of yards on the field. This is a role that can be emphasized with a more efficient player.
We also cannot understate the effect of the McVay coaching tree on Atwell’s potential landing spots. At this point, maybe more than half of NFL teams are running some version of the McVay offense. Whether it be coaches who have direct familiarity with Atwell or simply view the past five years as proof of concept, these coaches could end up competing with themselves to land the free agent receiver.
It’s clear that Atwell’s failures in 2025 are more on the Rams than the player. A better situation and more defined role could bring the best out of someone who never really found his footing in Los Angeles.
Don’t be surprised if Tutu Atwell is better with his new team than he ever was with the Rams.
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