When Tutu Atwell spoke to his agent after the 2024 season came to an end, the pending-free agent receiver made clear that his priority was to return to the Rams, the team that took him in the second round of the 2021 draft. But when the Rams came to terms with quarterback Matthew Stafford to return for the 2025 season, Atwell called his agent again.
“I’m like, ‘Hey, we gonna be pushing. That’s our first priority. We’re going to see what they’re talking about first,’” Atwell said Tuesday on a Zoom press conference.
Atwell re-signed with the Rams, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $10 million, a contract that would indicate that the coaching staff has bigger plans in store for the speedy receiver in 2025. Atwell said the Rams did not propose the one-year structure, but rather he and his agent decided to go that route in a bet on himself to improve his standing a year from now.
Despite his lofty draft status, Atwell did not find a consistent role in the Rams’ offense in his first four seasons. He set career highs with 42 receptions and 562 yards in 2024, but his playing time fluctuated based on injuries in the receiving room.
When Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were injured in Weeks 3-7, Atwell averaged 51 snaps, five receptions and 71 yards per game. But when the leading receivers returned in Week 8, Atwell only saw nine offensive snaps in the ensuing game, and would have to wait five weeks before he caught multiple passes in a game again.
“Just having long talks with my dad and mom and just people that I’m close with. You gotta wait your turn, you know?” Atwell said. “When it’s my turn, I always make the most of it and I knew what I was doing was right. You can’t be a selfish player; that’s not what I was raised on being. But man, I ain’t gonna lie, it was tough nights and long days. …
“I got a lot to improve and show, I feel like. The last four years I feel like I didn’t show enough for the league or you guys whoever to see. There’s more in the tank, for sure.”
While head coach Sean McVay made the first call to Atwell to kick off negotiations, the receiver said Tuesday he has not spoken with the coach about his potential role in 2025.
“I trust Coach Sean,” Atwell said. “I have no doubt in my mind that he’s going to use me to my ability and I’m just waiting for the future, waiting for this year. We had some good conversations and I believe in him.”
Nacua changes numbers
Wide receiver Puka Nacua will be changing jersey numbers to No. 12 this coming season, the Rams announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday. The change clears the path for new Ram Davante Adams to wear Nacua’s former number, No. 17, as he has throughout his illustrious career.
Nacua wore No. 12 at BYU, and is a number that has been worn by his brothers during their football careers.
“The #12 not only represents me on the football field, but all of my brothers and the sacrifices that my family have made before me to be able to wear this jersey at this moment,” Nacua wrote on Instagram. “I know when I put on that #12, it’s a piece of armor that’s representing my family and always protecting me.”
Stoops suspended
Rams wide receiver Drake Stoops has been suspended for the first two games of the 2025 season for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Tuesday. Stoops, who was on the Rams’ practice squad last season, will be eligible to participate in training camp and preseason games.
Briefly
Former Rams defensive tackle Bobby Brown III and outside linebacker Michael Hoecht agreed to free agent contracts with the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills, respectively, on Monday.
