The Rams are Giving Tutu Atwell HOW Much?!?

What They're Saying

Jourdan Rodrigue, Rams reporter for The Athletic: "The Rams have broadcast their intent to rebuild WR room around Puka Nacua and noted it’s unlikely [Demarcus] Robinson returns. Atwell has the speed, knowledge and the hands to play this complementary role but was hard to get him snaps with other guys in roles + preference not to sub in 11."

HC Sean McVay in September, after Atwell hit up the 49ers for 93 yards in Week 3: "I wouldn't say I'm surprised. It makes you realize he probably should have gotten other opportunities. He's always been called upon, and he's always kind of delivered."

What's the Contract Mean?

The money is surprising here, but we can make some assumptions ...

A mere one-year deal for a healthy, speedy wideout who won't turn 26 until October tells me Atwell's camp wasn't satisfied with his market value on the brink of free agency.

I have to believe Atwell could have landed a multi-year pact elsewhere, in a WR market that looks pretty shallow. But the "prove it" contract indicates his agents believe he can do better financially off a more productive season, and that the Rams will provide that opportunity.

Atwell did set career highs in receptions and receiving yards last season, nudging his totals up vs. 2023. But he also saw significantly less playing time. The receiver played just 39% of offensive snaps in 2024 after playing 64% across his 16 games the year before.

That came despite Puka Nacua missing six games and Cooper Kupp five. Atwell managed just a No. 4 ranking in targets and scored no TDs.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

But the Rams have already made clear that they plan to move on from Kupp this offseason. And as Rodrigue said, the team doesn't expect Robinson back.

Atwell enjoyed a much more encouraging start to 2023, when Kupp missed the first four games with an ankle injury.

Atwell drew 8+ targets in each of those contests and totaled 22 catches. He would tally just 17 receptions the rest of the way, after Kupp's return.

This contract suggests Atwell merely trailed Kupp and Robinson in the Rams' offensive plans over the past year and a half, rather than McVay souring on him.

Don't expect Atwell and his downfield-heavy game to provide consistent fantasy production. But there's room for him to deliver WR3-level value in 2025.

There's also room for him to fit with second-year WR Jordan Whittington, who makes more sense in a shorter-range, Kupp-style role.

Dynasty Impact

This might open a sell window for Atwell in dynasty.

Few likely would have guessed before this week that he had any future with the Rams. And this contract likely puts him in the ideal spot for 2025 production.

But getting a mere one-year deal as a not-yet-26, former second-round WR doesn't point to an exciting future.

You could see what kind of return you might get for Atwell this spring. But don't be afraid to even push it into the season and try to sell high after he has a big outing or two.

Rankings Movement

Atwell didn't get much love in our initial projections, landing outside the top 100 in our WR rankings.

Expect a significant boost now that he's positioned as a top-3 WR in a consistently efficient and productive offense.

Atwell should wind up in high-WR5 to low-WR4 range across formats.

Best Ball Impact

Best ball drafters have disliked Atwell even more than our rankings so far. He sits 138th among WRs in Underdog Fantasy ADP, which means he has gone unpicked in nearly every draft.

Expect a drastic jump from there. But that lowly starting point should keep Atwell from climbing as high as he should in the ideal format for his scoring potential.

Atwell looks like a good late-draft target in best ball right now. We'll see how high his ADP climbs, but he'll make sense at least into WR6 range.