FEATURE Atwell Extended

[Rambitious1]

How much of the overage on his contract was because:

- the salary cap went up - as reported - beyond every single teams internal models of what was going to happen this year
- an very underwhelming FA class at WR

I wonder how this contract will look after some of these other receivers are signed in FA this year

Just my opinion, but if the free agent Class at wide receiver is so underwhelming, I would think that would lower the market for his services.

 

[jrry32]

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.

 

[WestCoastRam]

Just my opinion, but if the free agent Class at wide receiver is so underwhelming, I would think that would lower the market for his services.

Yeah, I will say, the answers to your questions - this and the one before it - are in the thread.

 

[WestCoastRam]

The only other thing I can think of in regards to this contract is... not only do the Rams think this FA class at WR is bad, they think - and we've had rumblings on this - the draft class at WR is BAD

 

[dang]

Well, if McVay preferred not to use him or sub him in on 11 personnel, why the flip would he offer him $10 million to ride the dang bench?

I think you answered your own question. He’s NOT signed to ride the bench. He will be given every opportunity for a more significant role BUT he has to earn it.

 

[fanotodd]

What surprises me the most is that Atwell would WANT to come back. At some point you would think he wants to go somewhere and get the ball more often. He’s been a good player for the Rams, but drastically underused.

Then there’s the fully guaranteed $10m. I know the market is the market, but is that really what the market is for a player who has been rarely used? Wow! Sounds like Atwell had the leverage.

 

[Ramhusker]

Wow! I had written Tutu off as gone. So the DR is only staying if he’s happy with $5M again? We will still need another fast WR though.

 

[DzRams]

Well, if McVay preferred not to use him or sub him in on 11 personnel, why the flip would he offer him $10 million to ride the dang bench

It's kind of implied that they intend for him to start. With Kupp no longer in front of him he'll be on the field and won't need to sub in. That's what I took from that statement and the amount of money they're paying him.

 

[brucebruce]

I happen to like him, but as an added bonus, my wife is ecstatic (happy wife, happy life!!)

View attachment 70099View attachment 70100

awesome photos. your wife has tutu's body control.

 

[PhillyRam]

It's kind of implied that they intend for him to start. With Kupp no longer in front of him he'll be on the field and won't need to sub in. That's what I took from that statement and the amount of money they're paying him.

May also mean that they will expect more from the TE spot whether it's Higbee or a young dynamic draft pick. So they won't put as much pressure on that #2 WR, whether it's Atwell or eventually a rookie WR.

 

[jap]

This makes me think the offense changes and tutu in slot

Agreed! I can see Tutu emerging as a better DeSean Jackson-esque threat at all levels. Of course, I would much prefer that he gets down quickly a la Isaac Bruce and Torry Holy so he doesn't get decapitated by negatively opportunistic knee hunters. (I am talking to YOU, Kirby Joseph!!!) If Puka, Jordan, and Higbee are saturating the short-range and intermediate range passing lanes, Tutu may be able to sneak deep at Warp Five speed a few times a game and really stress the defense.

 

[RamBradford85]

Isn't that where Whittington is supposed to go?

I guess not… Tutu was best when he was in the slot

 

[RamBradford85]

The idea that at this time Tutu is more valuable to the Rams than Cooper Kupp just blows my mind

Kupp was in his way lol (joking)

 

[RamBradford85]

Wow! I had written Tutu off as gone. So the DR is only staying if he’s happy with $5M again? We will still need another fast WR though.

Sounded like Snead doesn’t want him by what he said

 

[El Chapo Jr]

They gave Tutu extra money to throw in front of defenders he has to block on run plays. How else is he supposed to block them?

 

[fanotodd]

IMO TuTu has been under utilized. He has proven that he can make catches and one thing the Rams should be doing at a minimum of twice per game is throwing the fly pattern TuTu's way. He always beats the coverage with his speed and if Stafford can actually hit him in stride, he would have more touchdowns.

I look forward to the Rams using him more and I for one am glad to have his speed back in the saddle again.

“…at a minimum of twice per game…”
So many of us have been pleaded for quite some time for the Rams to do just that.

“Hit him in stride…”.
You’re absolutely right. Some of those PIs might turn into TDs.

 

[Tumak61]

Extending Atwell makes sense. One year deal to see what he can do with a bigger role now that Kupp is gone.

 

[snackdaddy]

I suppose its safe to assume that he will have a bigger role in the offense? Its hard to gage his contribution to the offense when his targets and snaps are limited. He might surprise us with more playing time. But I wouldn't expect him to be much of a blocker in the run game. Probably just try to get in the defender's way enough to slow him down.

 

[snackdaddy]

I think you're all full of shit and simply repeating what has become conventional wisdom and residual Creed dick sucking.

Go look at Staffords "best of 2024 vid" and check out Atwell's play.

Going to end up the best signing of the season.

Injuries? He fucked up his shoulder halway thru his rookie season - missed 8 games.
Other than that, half a game due to a concussion - big deal. False narrative.

Has hands down, (intended) the best hands on the team and is our only field stretcher.

So let's try a little positivity assholes!

We're trying to make it rain on our parade. Would you please quit bringing umbrellas?

 

[Ram65]

Eight pages later........

Is Tutu's glass half full or half empty?

Looks like we will be finding out this year. Certainly, his wallet is a lot fuller!

1. He can get 5-7 yards at any time. Teams fear his speed.
2. Even given a cushion, he gets open deep. Stafford has to get it to him on time, He is a Great over-the-shoulder long-ball catcher.
3. He has good hands. He does drop some catchable passes, even low ones. Possibly, he will build more confidence and concentration with more time on the field.
4. He is not an inline Kupp blocker, but he is willing and has some ability to screen off defenders on the outside on run plays.

I have been saying the Rams need to get faster at WR-RB. Tutu gives them that opportunity. The $10 million is equivalent to about 6.5 million 4-5 years ago. It's worth the money to keep him. Give Tutu a chance to prove it.