The Los Angeles Rams have a good problem for an NFL team to encounter ahead of final cuts—so much talent at one spot on the depth chart that names start getting floated as trade candidates.
That name, at least right now, is former second-round pick Tutu Atwell.
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm outlined trade candidates and roster bubble names to know ahead of final cuts and spotlighted Atwell:
“Atwell finally started showing some of his potential as a former second-round pick last season, starting 14 games and looking to be a dangerous weapon at times. But his effectiveness tapered off after a hot start, and he started settling into more of a situation-specific role down the stretch before missing time while in concussion protocol.”
It’s a sound idea, if nothing else. Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Demarcus Robinson dominate the current depth chart for the Rams and a late-round rookie has been one of the team’s biggest breakout players this summer.
There is simply no guarantee Atwell sees the field often after receiving a career-high 67 targets last year. Now that he’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, his upside and rental status might make him an attractive option to other teams.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler did recently push back on the idea of the Rams trading Atwell. Yet, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic also reported that the Rams received trade calls about Atwell at least year's deadline. If the right offer comes along, the Rams’ continued success at drafting the position recently might encourage the front office to make final cuts a little simpler.
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