This Speedy Rams Receiver Was Named a Top Trade Candidate

The Los Angeles Rams might know who their stars are going to be for the squad this season. However, they might not be decided on what to do with the also-rans.

Writing in a recent article for Bleacher Report , NFL analyst Ryan Fowler called wide receiver Tutu Atwell the team’s top trade candidate.

Here’s what he said on Atwell:

“His small stature (5’9″, 165 lbs) limits his ability to be effective in the shallow areas, as well as in contested catch situations against longer, more physical defenders. Despite being a second-round pick in 2021, his impact has remained minimal for the Rams where inconsistent production and limited snaps have placed a cap on his performance.”

He also noted the crowded wide receiver room. If the Rams are not going to use Atwell, they might as well get something from the market for him, Fowler appeared to reason.

With Atwell seldom used, the Rams might be able to entice another team like the New England Patriots to part with a bit more to fill their own lacking room. Atwell was drafted to be one of the team’s top receivers, but based on his production in his career so far, the Rams haven’t used him to that level.

Tutu Atwell’s upward trend hands Rams interesting options

That said, his usage has steadily increased over the course of his career, lending some hope that he could continue to beef up the receiving corps. Atwell didn’t catch a single pass in his rookie year in 2021. Then, in 2022, he earned 18 catches for nearly 300 yards and a touchdown. Last year, he earned nearly 40 catches for 483 yards and three touchdowns.

As such, the Rams might eventually get to a point where they can phase in Atwell as Cooper Kupp begins to hit his decline.

However, the Rams also could use Atwell’s rise as trade bait. If the Rams don’t see him as an eventual top-two receiver on the team, it might be worth trading him now and using that ammunition to get a fresh target in 2025. By that point, Kupp may only have another season or two within him, which would allow the Rams time to get another player up to speed.

Will Atwell finish the 2024 season with the Rams?

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here . Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network .

The post This Speedy Rams Receiver Was Named a Top Trade Candidate appeared first on NFL Analysis Network .