I warned earlier this month that Tutu Atwell could easily be better for his next team than he was with the Los Angeles Rams:
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…
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.
With the idea that Atwell could be a difference maker elsewhere in 2026 in mind, let’s turn our eye toward potential landing spots. Which teams would Rams fans not want to see sign Atwell?
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo made a significant stylistic change in their receiver corps from the early stages of Josh Allen’s breakout to today. Allen first made a major jump in his career trajectory when he was throwing to the likes of Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, John Brown, Gabe Davis, and Emmanuel Sanders. These players are mostly slight of frame aside from Davis.
Fast forward to 2025 and the Bills possibly overloaded on large targets in Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Dawson Knox, and Dalton Kincaid. The result in terms of offensive production went the wrong direction.
Perhaps Buffalo intends to return to the approach that worked best for them in the past. Atwell could work as a lethal deep threat that is also feisty for his size over the middle. He’s a natural separator that would add an element to the Bills’ offense they simply don’t have now.
Kansas City Chiefs
Atwell is not Tyreek Hill. While they are both fast players, Hill is a much better change of direction player.
But the Chiefs have attempted to replace Hill time and time again. They need a reliable deep threat in their offense and Atwell would probably work. Tyquan Thornton separated in the deep area of the field often but never seemed to be on the same page as Patrick Mahomes.
Could Atwell patch this hole for the Chiefs in 2026?
New Orleans Saints
Tyler Shough did enough to return as New Orleans’ start in 2026, but the Saints passing game never felt lethal last offseason. Shough is a fine short area passer. He needs to threaten vertically more often in order to take his game to the next level.
Atwell is an interesting compliment to Chris Olave. The Saints are also in position to draft one of the top receiver prospects in Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate who would give them more of a size element. Atwell would be an interesting third option in their passing game.
Atwell won’t break the bank in free agency. All three of these teams are cash-strapped and he makes sense as a target.
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