Rams trade for lightning-bug WR as potential Puka Nacua suspension looms

· California Post

The Rams obtained veteran wide receiver Tutu Atwell from the Dolphins on Thursday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Rams gave the Dolphins running back Jarquez Hunter in exchange for Atwell.

Atwell had spent his whole career with the Rams after getting drafted by Los Angeles in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft. He signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins as a free agent in March but is heading back to his former franchise without having played a regular-season game in Miami.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tutu Atwell catches a pass during a practice session at the team’s NFL football training camp on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier) AP Photo/Marta Lavandier

One would imagine that the Rams felt a need to bring Atwell back because of the uncertainty swirling around star wide receiver Puka Nacua.

Schefter reported earlier this month that Nacua could still be suspended by the NFL for his various offseason transgressions. If Nacua is suspended, the verdict could arrive at any moment, which is the why the Rams are wise to add another wide receiver in Atwell.

It will be interesting to see what role Atwell can carve out for himself behind Nacua and Davante Adams in the Rams’ offense this season.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua walks the field following the NFL football team’s training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill