This past season was supposed to be Tutu Atwell’s breakout year. After four seasons of being a role player who mostly contributed when a starter was injured, Atwell was in line for his biggest opportunity yet.
The Los Angeles Rams committed to him in a big way with a $10 million contract last offseason, all of it fully guaranteed. Sean McVay said time and time again that he wished he could’ve gotten Atwell involved more, and yet, nothing changed.
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Not only did Atwell’s role remain limited, but he saw his fewest snaps since his rookie year in 2021. He played just 27% of the offensive snaps after playing 40% in 2022, 64% in 2023 and 39% in 2024.
A hamstring injury caused him to miss five games but even after he was eligible to return from injured reserve, the Rams chose not to activate him because they couldn’t make room for him on their roster. That was pretty telling, but things got even worse in the playoffs when he was a healthy scratch for the final two games against the Bears and Seahawks.
During his final media session on Monday, McVay explained what led to Atwell’s shockingly limited role. He attributed it to a few things: Los Angeles’ shift toward 13 personnel, its depth at wide receiver and Atwell’s missed time on IR.
“Well, I think the first thing is, the vision that we had for what our offense was going to be going into the season, and then what it became organically was very different – just based on the number of receivers that we played with in a lot of situations,” McVay said. “Part of the thought process when we made that signing last year was that we were going to still be in a lot of the 11 personnel grouping. You have him and Puka (Nacua) and Davante (Adams) and then, you know, the complementary pieces. And then unfortunately, he had some injuries. There were some different things that went on where, hey, the games continue to go when he missed the period of time. And then when we kind of organically figured out this next iteration, where we leaned into a lot of the 13 personnel, that naturally just takes receivers off the grass.”
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It was undoubtedly a challenging season for Atwell, who finished with six catches for 192 yards and one touchdown. He played more than 26 snaps in just one game all year and never played more than 15 snaps after returning from IR in Week 15 – even with Davante Adams on the shelf.
McVay appreciates the way Atwell handled a tough year in L.A., sharing that sentiment multiple times throughout the season. He wishes things could’ve worked out better because he loves the relationship he’s built with the young receiver.
“I love the human being,” McVay said. “I think the more I do this, it’s so much more about the relationships that are built – and I know that’s not what you’re asking me, but that’s where that means a lot. He’s let me into his life. I love him.”
As much as McVay wishes things went differently, he also has to do what’s best for the team, even if that means keeping a $10 million receiver on the sidelines.
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“I wish I really could have done better, but I always still have a responsibility for what I think is best for our football team,” he continued. “And if you were to ask me right now what our offense or defense or in the kicking game is going to look like, we have visions and in a lot of instances, they go according to plan. And then sometimes they organically adjust and adapt as the season unfolds. And that’s really what last year entailed. And I’m not trying to make any excuses. That’s just the truth.”
Atwell will be a free agent again this offseason but after having a poor season, it’s hard to imagine the Rams giving him another shot. A team like the Cardinals, who are now coached by Mike LaFleur, could take a chance on Atwell and bet that with a bigger role, he’ll become a playmaker.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams’ Sean McVay explains Tutu Atwell’s limited role in 2025
