Tutu Atwell didn’t need to be wherever else.
After 4 seasons with the Rams, the speedy receiver was a pending free agent. However Atwell longed to return to the group that chosen him within the second spherical of the 2021 NFL draft.
Atwell was residence in Florida, “just patiently waiting for a phone call to come,” when coach Sean McVay known as. Atwell was elated.
“I was ready to go,” Atwell, who signed a one-year, $10-million contract Tuesday, stated throughout a videoconference with reporters.
Atwell, 25, is a part of a remade receiving corps that — with quarterback Matthew Stafford again for a fifth season — is anticipated to make the Rams a Tremendous Bowl contender.
Since February, the Rams have been making an attempt to commerce veteran Cooper Kupp, who’s due a $7.5-million roster bonus Saturday. If the Rams can’t make a deal, they’re anticipated to launch the 2021 NFL offensive participant of the yr as quickly as Wednesday, when the NFL’s new league yr and free company formally start.
Puka Nacua returns because the No. 1 goal, and the Rams agreed to phrases with three-time All-Professional Davante Adams on a two-year contract that basically ensures him $20 million in wage and bonuses this season. Demarcus Robinson won’t be again after he reportedly agreed to a two-year, $9.5-million take care of the San Francisco 49ers.
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Atwell made $1.5 million final season when he caught a career-best 42 passes for 582 yards. His new deal will increase his earnings almost tenfold.
“They believed in me,” he stated, including, “I always did my part when my number was called and made the most of the opportunities I had.”
Atwell’s alternatives, nonetheless, have been restricted.
As a rookie he suffered a shoulder damage and didn’t catch a move. He was focused solely 35 occasions in 2022, 67 occasions in 2023 and 62 occasions final season.
Atwell acknowledged there have been “tough nights and long days” final season when he performed fewer snaps. However he says his perspective by no means wavered.
“You’ve got to wait your turn,” he stated. “When it’s my turn, I always make the most of it. And I knew what I was doing was right. You can’t be a selfish player — that’s not what I was raised on.”
Atwell stated he has not had prolonged conversations with McVay about how his position would possibly change. However he sounded excited.
“I trust coach Sean and I have no doubt in my mind he’s going to use me to my ability,” Atwell stated.
Kupp has been an enormous affect and a teammate he may lean on, Atwell stated. He’s wanting ahead to persevering with to play with Nacua and studying new expertise from Adams.
“He’s got some nice releases that I can probably put in my backpack,” Atwell stated. “He’s a great player.”
With a one-year contract, Atwell is on monitor to be a pending free agent on the finish of subsequent season.
“It’s my job to go out and perform,” he stated, “so we get to whatever the case may be next year.”
Nacua switches numbers
Rams large receiver Puka Nacua runs off the sector after a wild-card playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings in January. Nacua can be carrying No. 12 subsequent season.
(Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Occasions)
The Rams introduced that Nacua will change jersey numbers from 17 to 12 to honor siblings who wore the quantity taking part in sports activities, and the quantity he wore rising up and in faculty.
That opens the door for Adams to put on 17, his quantity all through his profession.
And many others.
The Rams agreed to phrases with offensive lineman Coleman Shelton on a two-year contract, an individual with information of the scenario not licensed to talk publicly stated. Shelton, who performed final season for the Chicago Bears, performed heart and guard for the Rams from 2019 to 2023. … The Rams acquired a third-round draft choose as compensation for the lack of former defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, who was employed because the Atlanta Falcons head coach. … Receiver Drake Stoops, who was on the apply squad final season, has been suspended with out pay for the primary two video games of the season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances coverage, the league introduced. Stoops can take part in coaching camp and preseason video games. … John McKay was promoted to assistant common supervisor, Nicole Blake to director of scouting, technique and analytics and Ray Farmer to senior advisor to common supervisor Les Snead, amongst different promotions introduced by the Rams.
