FEATURE Atwell Extended

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An unexpected move, but in McSnead I trust. Especially since Tutu is a known commodity.

From what I've seen, Tutu has elite speed, excellent hands, and tends to come up clutch in big moments. He's familiar with the offense and just entering his prime. And he seems to have learned how to protect himself from big hits.

Main mystery has been why he's used so sparingly. Obviously Stafford gave the ok for this deal. So for 10M, clearly the Rams plan to give him more opportunities and the chance to be a 1,000 yard receiver. For me, the key stat is below:

Tutu Atwell when filling in for Cooper Kupp and/or Puka Nacua in 2023-24:

9 games- 69 targets- 45 catches - 602 yards

All other games in his career:

45 games- 95 targets- 54 catches- 741 yards

Takeaway : He's productive when given a chance

My final point: I think this signing shows how much they value continuity. Going into 2025 with Puka and Whittington as the only 2 WR's familiar with the offense must have been a risk they weren't willing to take.
 
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Guessing they looked at film and saw Tutu can regularly beat man coverage. That was missing in some of our nail biter games this season.

Hopefully the Rams learn from their mistakes and get Tutu on the field more often.
 
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So just like the Stafford thing only making sense that the 2 sides figure it out. As has already been brought up, it only makes sense to do this if he is in the plans to get way more snaps.
McVay has remade his O a few times. It looks like he is planning to do it again. It is why they are not even offering Kupp to redo his contract.
In my life, I have learned that timing is everything and for Tutu's first 4 years he didn't fit. We have all seen his skill and if we have seen it McVay has too. We also have to figure in that if the Rams were not going to give Stafford a multi-year deal because of cap issues in the future, then they were not going to give any receiver on the market or probably any other position a multi-year deal. That being said what receiver on the FA market will give them the speed that everyone here agrees they need without a multi year deal? There isn't one. So as surprising as this move was, after thinking it through, this is their best move. The have the speedster they need and they don't fuck up their plans for the future.
 
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When you look at the big picture this is the move that makes the most sense for the Rams. They needed to bring back one of the three receivers between Tutu, Kupp, and DRob. Looking at everything Tutu will help the offense more, at this time, then the other two. I also believe that McVay and Stafford liked what they saw in Tutu when Puka and Kupp were both out.
 
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No one has been a bigger defender of Tutu than I have.
That said, I would have targeted a $5-6M range for him resigning.
So, to me, $10M is an overpay for sure.
Now, Ive had my foot put in my mouth more than once by questioning McVay and Snead.
So, hopefully they have a plan to have him earn his significant raise.
With a "specialty" player like Tutu I think it is more of when he contributes than volume of catches/yards.
Having him in a bigger role, if executed well, could free some attention from Puka and who ever our new stud TE is.
As always with McVay and Snead, it will be interesting to see.
 
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Ramstien said:
When you look at the big picture this is the move that makes the most sense for the Rams. They needed to bring back one of the three receivers between Tutu, Kupp, and DRob. Looking at everything Tutu will help the offense more, at this time, then the other two. I also believe that McVay and Stafford liked what they saw in Tutu when Puka and Kupp were both out.
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Assuming the money is relatively equal Im surprised the Rams didn't bring back Robinson.
Maybe they think (know) someone is going to way overpay for Robinson mistaking is TD catch rate over the last two years for him being a 1 or even a 2.
Interesting choice.
 
jrry32 said:
This news surprised me, but if they're doing it, I have to think McVay plans to give Tutu a lot of run. Some of y'all were wanting that.
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No one has been a bigger Tutu-head than me.
But, this is a big overpay unless he gets opps.
The thing with McVay is finding balance. We don't need an 1,800 yard receiver. Spreading the ball out between 3 or 4 WRs and a couple of TEs and RBs can help create some more explosive plays and consistent offense.
Interesting move.
 
WestCoastRam said:
I can see a scenario where we circle back on DRob ala Witherspoon last year at some point but yeah, not a top or even 2nd option in FA for us.
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Yup. Snead hinting his legal troubles may prevent the Rams from signing him is two-fold. It reminds the rest of the league and it's a good negotiating tool given DRob has said he wants to return.
 
Ram_Rally said:
I don't hate him as a #3. I'd d terrified of him as a #2. I'm just worried about whether or not it will be worth the leap of faith.
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I think Puka and Whittington are the 1-2, so to speak.
But, Rams run a ton of 3 WR sets.....and there are situational reps too. Like Tyler Johnson replacing Puka or Kupp in certain redzone sets.
 
dieterbrock said:
I wouldnt necessarily call a DUI "legal issues", and wouldnt think a 1-2 game suspension would deter signing him
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They weren't worried enough about it to not have him play immediately when available.
I think they just made a choice to go a different way.
I think they have their physical, blocking WRs in Puka and Whittington. They have a speed piece in Tutu and will probably look to add a speed threat in the draft as well.
 
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So perhaps the Rams know DRob has some rough waters to navigate and are going to wait to see how that plays out. In the meantime, if another team wants to pay good $$ before it’s settled - it seems plausible that the Rams are willing to take that gamble. It may also lead to them getting him on the cheap after he clears because of his dilemma.
 
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