Dolphins Trade Tutu Atwell to Rams for RB Jarquez Hunter

The Miami Dolphins traded wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday in exchange for second-year running back Jarquez Hunter.

The Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams finalized a trade on Thursday, August 27, 2026, sending wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to Los Angeles in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter. The transaction marks a return to the West Coast for the 26-year-old Atwell, who previously spent five seasons with the Rams after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Atwell had signed a one-year, $1.4 million contract with Miami in March, but his tenure ended before the start of the regular season.

During his previous stint in Los Angeles, Atwell appeared in 64 regular-season games, accumulating 105 receptions for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns. His 2025 campaign was limited by a hamstring injury and a shift in offensive philosophy under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams transitioned toward 13 personnel packages featuring three tight ends, reducing opportunities for the 11 personnel sets that utilize three wide receivers. Consequently, Atwell recorded just six catches for 192 yards and one touchdown last season despite signing a one-year, $10 million deal with the Rams in March 2025.

Roster Shifts in Miami and Los Angeles

Miami’s decision to move the veteran receiver coincides with the emergence of two third-round rookies, Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell. Both young wideouts are expected to occupy significant roles in the Dolphins' offense this season. Bell recently rejoined the active roster after a stint on the non-football injury list. By moving Atwell, the rebuilding Dolphins clear space for their 2026 draft picks to see immediate action on the field.

In exchange, the Dolphins receive Jarquez Hunter, a 23-year-old running back whom the Rams selected in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. Hunter’s rookie season consisted of five game appearances where he played exclusively on special teams. He logged a total of 22 snaps during his first year in the league and did not record any offensive statistics. Hunter faced a crowded depth chart in Los Angeles that included Kyren Williams, Blake Corum, and Ronnie Rivers.

Statistical Breakdown of the Tutu Atwell Trade

Atwell’s career production is highlighted by his 14.6 yards per catch average over 64 games. His most recent season saw a significant drop in volume, as he was targeted sparingly in the Rams' tight-end-heavy schemes. The trade allows the Rams to re-integrate a familiar deep threat while the Dolphins acquire a young developmental piece for their backfield. Hunter was not projected to have a major role for Los Angeles this season barring an injury to the primary ball carriers ahead of him.

This roster move was announced at 3:04 PM ET. The Dolphins are currently prioritizing the development of their rookie class, specifically the two third-round receivers Bell and Douglas. Meanwhile, the Rams add a veteran presence to a wide receiver room that had recently shifted toward heavier personnel groupings. Hunter now joins a Miami squad looking to define its backfield rotation behind their new offensive core.