Dolphins trade receiver Atwell back to Rams

The Miami Dolphins have traded wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter, the teams announced on Thursday.

Atwell signed with the Dolphins on a one-year, $1.4 million contract in March. A second-round pick in 2021, he had spent his first five seasons with the Rams.

The rebuilding Dolphins have two rookie wide receivers poised to have significant roles this season in Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, who was recently activated off the non-football injury list. Both Douglas and Bell were selected in the third round of this year's draft.

Atwell, 26, signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Rams in March 2025 but had just six catches for 192 yards and a touchdown last season. Along with missing time because of a hamstring injury, he was kept off the field by the Rams' move to using more 13 personnel (three tight ends on the field) rather than the 11 personnel (three wide receivers) common under head coach Sean McVay.

In 64 regular-season games in Los Angeles, Atwell has 105 catches for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns.

Hunter, 23, was selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. He appeared in five games during his rookie season.

Hunter was deep on the depth chart for the Rams, who also have Kyren Williams, Blake Corum and Ronnie Rivers on the roster. Hunter played just 22 snaps his rookie season, all on special teams. Barring an injury, Hunter was not expected to have a significant role for the Rams this season.