Dolphins Sign Speedy Rams WR Tutu Atwell to One-Year Deal

Atwell, a 5-foot-9 deep threat, will look to replace Tyreek Hill's production in Miami.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:25pm

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The Miami Dolphins have signed former Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year contract in free agency. Atwell, a 2021 second-round pick, is a speedy deep threat who will aim to replace the production of Tyreek Hill, who the Dolphins traded away this offseason. While Atwell has yet to live up to his draft pedigree, the Dolphins are hoping he can provide a similar field-stretching presence in their offense.

Why it matters

The Dolphins are operating with limited cap space this offseason after the massive dead cap hit from moving on from former quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Signing Atwell to a one-year deal is a low-risk, high-reward move as they look to replace the big-play ability of Tyreek Hill in their passing attack.

The details

Atwell, 26, was a second-round pick of the Rams in 2021 but has yet to make a major impact in the NFL. In 10 games last season, he recorded 6 receptions for 192 yards and 1 touchdown. However, he has shown flashes of his deep-threat potential, with 562 yards and 483 yards receiving in 2024 and 2023 respectively. The Dolphins are hoping a change of scenery and an opportunity for a larger role will allow Atwell to unlock his speed and playmaking ability.

  • Atwell signed his one-year deal with the Dolphins on March 12, 2026.

The players

Tutu Atwell

A 26-year-old wide receiver who was a 2021 second-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams.

Tyreek Hill

The former star wide receiver for the Dolphins who was traded away this offseason.

Jeff Halfey

The general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The executive vice president of football operations for the Miami Dolphins.

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What they’re saying

“Dolphins are signing former Rams free-agent wide receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year deal, per source. Atwell is from Miami and now returns home.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Dolphins will look to integrate Atwell into their offense and see if he can provide a similar deep-threat presence as Tyreek Hill. His performance in training camp and the preseason will be closely watched to determine if he can earn a larger role in the passing attack.

The takeaway

The Dolphins are taking a low-risk flier on Tutu Atwell as they look to replace the big-play ability of Tyreek Hill on a limited budget this offseason. While Atwell has yet to live up to his draft pedigree, the Dolphins are hoping a change of scenery and an opportunity for a larger role will allow him to unlock his speed and playmaking potential.