The 2025 NFL offseason is nearing its end, and most teams are in the final stretch before training camp. Few moves are expected regarding free agents and contract extensions. The Los Angeles Rams approached their offseason around one simple goal: give Matthew Stafford the weapons he needs for another Super Bowl run.
Most of their moves hit the mark. But one decision has an analyst wondering if the front office got a little too generous with their checkbook.
Did the Rams Overpay for Tutu Atwell’s Production?
Los Angeles entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mission: keep Stafford on the roster. The team restructured his contract to make that happen, locking him up for two more seasons. The franchise believes it still has a legitimate shot at making another Super Bowl run, and Stafford remains the foundation of Sean McVay’s offensive system.
To boost the offense, Cooper Kupp was released and replaced by Davante Adams, who continues to produce at a high level. Pairing Adams with Puka Nacua gives Stafford one of the league’s best active receiver duos. Given his on-field impact, Adams’ two-year, $22 million contract is considered a bargain.
However, analyst Seth Walder pointed out a different move that’s harder to justify. The Rams re-signed wide receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year, $10 million deal, a decision that raised eyebrows around the league.
“Not everything was perfect, though. The Rams signed Atwell to a one-year, $10 million deal that had me wondering: Who was clamoring to pay him $9 million?” Walder wrote in his ESPN article.
Stafford throws it up and Tutu Atwell has a TD before the half!
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📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/iTs8HMaXlh pic.twitter.com/3DHkQrcL99— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2023
The numbers tell the story. Through four NFL seasons, Atwell has totaled just 1,343 receiving yards and four touchdowns, underwhelming production for a player now set to be, at best, the third option in the receiver rotation. His salary sits just $1 million less than what Jakobi Meyers earns with the Las Vegas Raiders.
What Other Options Did the Rams Have at Receiver?
The depth chart situation helps explain the decision. The franchise’s only wide receiver selected in the draft was Konata Mumpfield from Pittsburgh, taken in the seventh round. Without Atwell, Stafford would be left with Jordan Whittington as the next option on the depth chart.
So while the decision to retain Atwell for 2025 may have been an overpay, ensuring quality weapons around the quarterback was likely necessary. The Rams couldn’t afford to leave Stafford without reliable targets, even if it meant paying above market value.
Meanwhile, Walder’s most praised move was the Rams’ trade with the Atlanta Falcons late in the first round of the draft. This trade netted Los Angeles a 2026 first-round pick, valuable capital for a team that may need to draft Stafford’s successor next year or double down on this year’s selection.
While not a flawless offseason, the Rams were among the teams that most strengthened their outlook for 2025. They are projected to win the NFC West again with an 11-6 record, earning the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs.
