Los Angeles Rams Rookie Turning Up The Heat On $10 Mill. Pass Catcher With Head Turning OTAs

And that could spell trouble for Atwell.

The Rams are paying Tutu Atwell $10 million this season, signaling a public commitment to finally unleashing his speed and dynamic potential. But money doesn’t catch passes, and Atwell has struggled to earn consistent targets in a system that historically favors trust and versatility. Enter Mumpfield—a player who offers similar separation quickness, more refined route detail, and growing chemistry with both Matthew Stafford and backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo.

After parting ways with Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson this offseason, the Rams have a glaring need for a true WR3 behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. ESPN’s Aaron Schatz called out the lack of depth behind that duo, noting Atwell’s modest 42-catch, 562-yard campaign in 2024 as respectable but uninspiring. The Rams clearly need a reliable third target—especially with defenses likely to key in on Adams and Nacua.

Atwell, a former second-round pick, is entering his fifth year still seeking a breakthrough. He’s shown flashes, but never fully emerged. Whether due to inconsistent usage or physical limitations, his role has remained situational. Mumpfield, meanwhile, is surging—and fast. His knack for contested catches and understanding of leverage has drawn comparisons to players with far more NFL experience.

The battle is far from over, but if early OTAs are any indication, Mumpfield isn’t just here to develop—he’s here to compete. And Atwell, despite the contract, may need to prove all over again that he deserves his snaps.

For now, Sean McVay’s offense is still a puzzle in progress. With the addition of tight end Terrance Ferguson, more two-TE sets could reduce the need for a traditional third wideout. But if McVay chooses to keep three receivers on the field, the rookie from Pitt is making it awfully difficult to ignore him.

And if this trajectory continues into training camp, the $10 million bet on Atwell might start to feel a little uneasy.