5 quick thoughts on Rams trading Jarquez Hunter for Tutu Atwell

5 quick thoughts on Rams trading Jarquez Hunter for Tutu Atwell Is the Rams' trade for Atwell a sign that Puka Nacua could be suspended?

Key points

• The Rams are projected to apply a committee at WR3 behind Nacua and Davante Adams.
• Atwell played 187 snaps on offense and was targeted a whopping 15 times last season.
• Just days before final roster cuts, the Los Angeles Rams created a shocking and unexpected trade.
• Even if Nacua is suspended, it's not projected to be a highly long absence for the Rams receiver – probable no more than two games.
• Don't expect Atwell to play a significant role this season, even if the Rams could employ a deep threat.

Just days before final roster cuts, the Los Angeles Rams created a shocking and unexpected trade. They acquired Tutu Atwell from the Miami Dolphins for running back Jarquez Hunter – a rare player-for-player trade.

Atwell left in free agency five months ago but now comes back to the Rams for his sixth season with the team. While the Rams simultaneously move on from Hunter, their 2025 fourth-round pick, he adds depth to the wide receiver room. Here are five quick thoughts on the Rams' trade for Atwell. Is Puka Nacua going to miss time?

Notably, the first thing that comes to mind with the Rams acquiring another receiver is the possibility of Nacua being suspended or missing time due to his psoas injury. Adam Schefter of ESPN already alluded to the possibility of Nacua missing Week 1 due to a suspension, and with Atwell coming back, the Rams now have an outside receiver they know well who could fill in if needed.

Even if Nacua is suspended, it's not projected to be a highly long absence for the Rams receiver – probable no more than two games. But in the event that he is suspended, the Rams now have a wideout with experience in their offensive system. Sean McVay never trusted Jarquez Hunter.

McVay created a telling statement this week when talking concerning how much he trusts Ronnie Rivers, both as a runner and pass protector. According to He even, if Kyren Williams or Blake Corum were to go down, Rivers is the guy he trusts. It wasn't pointed at Hunter, but it became evident that McVay didn't trust Hunter when it came to the little things.

It's why he didn't play a single snap last season and was playing deep into preseason games this summer. He was on the roster bubble and may have been unlikely to create the team, so rather than cutting him, the Rams secured something in return for him.

It's not much, though, especially considering they just applied a fourth-round pick on him last year and provided up another selection to move up for him. Rams aren't sold on their WRs behind Nacua and Adams.

Meanwhile, the Rams are projected to apply a committee at WR3 behind Nacua and Davante Adams. It includes Konata Mumpfield and Jordan Whittington. Xavier Smith and CJ Daniels are additionally in the mix to play meaningful snaps. But with this acquisition of Atwell, it's a sign that the Rams don't fully believe in their younger receivers.

Daniels is only a sixth-round rookie, and while some thought he would contribute significantly in his first season, that may not be the case. Smith is a gadget guy with good speed, but might his roster spot now be in danger with Atwell being another deep threat?

Terrance Ferguson is the player to watch as the No. 3 option on offense, even though he's technically a tight end. The door is open for Dean Connors or Jordan Waters.

As was Waters, connors was already making some noise at running back. They've both played well in the preseason and now with Hunter gone, the door is open for one of them to create the 53-man roster. It's more probable that the Rams will carry just three running backs and keep a couple of guys on the practice squad, but there's a chance Connors or Waters produced enough of an impression to secure a spot on the roster. Atwell probably still won't play a major role.

Atwell played 187 snaps on offense and was targeted a whopping 15 times last season. And that was with the Rams needing a true No. 3 receiver. Now, they're even deeper at the position and have leaned into 13 personnel more. What are the chances Atwell does much of anything on offense after spending the offseason in Miami?

Don't expect Atwell to play a significant role this season, even if the Rams could employ a deep threat. He was applied sparingly in five years with the team, and that probably won't change much this season. SMS Facebook Twitter Email.

For now, 5 quick thoughts on Rams trading Jarquez Hunter for Tutu Atwell remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.