The Los Angeles Rams are entering the 2025 NFL season with a transformed wide receiver group following significant offseason changes. The release of Cooper Kupp on March 12, 2025, who then signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, and Demarcus Robinson’s two-year, $9.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers on March 11, 2025, have opened the door for new faces to shine. With Puka Nacua as the WR1 and newly acquired Davante Adams as the WR2, the Rams’ offense, led by quarterback Matthew Stafford and head coach Sean McVay, remains a juggernaut. Among the beneficiaries of this reshuffling, wide receiver TuTu Atwell stands out as the player most likely to have a breakout season in 2025. Here’s why Atwell, a fifth-year speedster, may be poised to have a breakout season.
Reason 1: A Massive Increase in Opportunity
The departures of Kupp and Robinson create a significant void in the Rams’ passing game. In 2024, Kupp recorded 67 receptions for 710 yards, while Robinson added 31 catches for 505 yards and 7 touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference. Together, they accounted for nearly 100 targets, leaving a wealth of opportunities for others to step up. Atwell, who posted 39 receptions for 504 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2024 across 17 games, is the leading candidate to fill this gap as the WR3 behind Nacua and Adams.
The Rams’ receiver depth chart is notably thin beyond their top two stars. Young receivers like Jordan Whittington and rookie Konata Mumpfield lack Atwell’s experience and proven production. As a 2021 second-round pick (57th overall), Atwell has four years in McVay’s system, giving him a clear edge to claim an expanded role. His 2024 performance, including a standout game against the Minnesota Vikings (6 receptions, 94 yards, 38-yard touchdown), demonstrated his ability to capitalize on limited snaps. With Kupp and Robinson gone, Atwell could see his targets double to 80–100 in 2025, setting the stage for a career-defining season.
Reason 2: A Tailor-Made Fit in McVay’s Offensive Scheme
Sean McVay’s offense is built on speed, misdirection, and exploiting defensive weaknesses, and Atwell’s skill set aligns perfectly with this philosophy. Known for his 4.32 40-time, Atwell stretches defenses vertically, forcing safeties to play deeper and opening underneath routes for Nacua and Adams. In 2024, he averaged 12.9 yards per catch and earned a Pro Football Focus receiving grade of 78.2, with 1.8 yards per route run, ranking among the NFL’s top 50 receivers despite a limited role.
The Rams are bringing back Tutu Atwell for the 2025 season. With the expected departure of Cooper Kupp and possibly DeMarcus Robinson, the Rams are making a safe move keeping a familiar target of Matthew Stafford
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) March 6, 2025
Atwell has stepped up when given a full opportunity. Happy for Tu pic.twitter.com/Yaw4d37GaM
McVay’s use of pre-snap motion and play-action creates one-on-one matchups, where Atwell’s speed overwhelms nickel corners and safeties. His 2024 tape showed flashes of this, such as a 51 yard catch against the 49ers, highlighting his ability to blow by defenders. With Adams’ precise route-running and Nacua’s physicality drawing coverage, Atwell will face softer defenses, particularly in the NFC West, where the 49ers and Cardinals lean on zone schemes vulnerable to deep threats. McVay’s history of elevating receivers—Puka Nacua’s 105-catch rookie season in 2023 is a prime example—ensures Atwell will get designed plays to showcase his explosiveness, from deep posts to quick screens.
Reason 3: Versatility as a Multi-Dimensional Weapon
Atwell’s breakout potential isn’t limited to traditional receiving. His 2024 season showcased his value as a gadget player, with 12 rushes for 87 yards (7.3 yards per carry), including a 22-yard scamper. McVay increasingly incorporated Atwell in jet sweeps, end-arounds, and backfield alignments, exploiting his speed in creative ways. This versatility makes him a unique asset, especially with Kupp’s slot expertise now in Seattle and Robinson’s red-zone presence in San Francisco.
In 2025, expect McVay to expand Atwell’s role in these packages, using him to stretch defenses horizontally and vertically. His ability to turn short passes into big gains, evidenced by a 38-yard touchdown in 2024, complements Stafford’s arm strength and willingness to take deep shots. Atwell’s multi-dimensional skill set ensures he’ll see the field even in crowded offensive sets, projecting 100–150 rushing yards alongside his receiving stats. This flexibility will keep defenses guessing, amplifying his impact.
Reason 4: Growing Chemistry with Matthew Stafford
A breakout season requires trust from the quarterback, and Atwell is earning it from Matthew Stafford. In 2024, Stafford targeted Atwell 58 times, a sign of growing confidence, and praised his “game-changing speed” in post-practice comments, per the Rams’ official website. Stafford’s ability to deliver accurate deep balls pairs perfectly with Atwell’s speed, as seen in their 2024 connections on go routes and crossing patterns. With Kupp and Robinson no longer competing for targets, Atwell’s rapport with Stafford will deepen in 2025, especially during a full offseason of work.
The Rams’ 2024 offense ranked 8th in passing yards (3,945), and Stafford’s return ensures continuity. Atwell’s ability to get open quickly will be crucial against NFC West defenses, like Seattle’s Devon Witherspoon-led secondary or San Francisco’s retooling unit (16th in pass defense in 2024), now featuring Robinson. As Stafford leans on Atwell in high-stakes moments, expect signature plays that elevate his profile.
Tutu Atwell’s Best Career Catches
Reason 5: Motivation in a Contract Year
This offseason the Rams re-signed Atwell to a one-year, $10 million contract, with $5 million guaranteed. This deal, completed in March 2025, includes a $5 million signing bonus and $5 million in base salary. Atwell’s contract is fully guaranteed, meaning the Rams are obligated to pay him the full amount regardless of his performance. He now has the opportunity to play for a larger contract with the Rams, or with another team.
Potential Obstacles
Atwell’s path isn’t without challenges. His 5’9”, 155-pound frame struggles against press coverage, with PFF noting he caught only 40% of contested targets in 2024. He also is never going to be the guy who breaks tackles and excels in YAC. Refining his release techniques and adding strength will be key against physical corners. Consistency is another hurdle, as he had five games under 20 receiving yards in 2024. However, McVay’s scheming and Atwell’s speed should mitigate these issues, ensuring he gets open in favorable situations.
Rams HC Sean McVay predicts increased usage of WR Tutu Atwell: "I haven't done a good enough job of utilizing him"https://t.co/CG273eumm6
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) April 8, 2025
The Verdict
TuTu Atwell’s breakout in 2025 is driven by a perfect storm of opportunity, scheme fit, versatility, quarterback trust, and personal motivation. With Kupp and Robinson gone, he’s poised to seize the WR3 role, projecting 60–70 receptions, 900–1,100 yards, and 6–8 touchdowns, plus 100–150 rushing yards on gadget plays. Atwell’s 2025 season has the potential to redefine his career, cementing him as a vital part of the Rams offense. Expect No. 5 to dazzle when Los Angeles takes the field this fall.
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