Dolphins Swap Wide Receiver Atwell for RB Hunter in Late Roster Move

The Comcast Corporation-owned regional sports networks covering the NFL will have a new storyline to track in Miami, as the Dolphins have made a late adjustment to their backfield. Miami has traded wide receiver Tutu Atwell back to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for running back Jarquez Hunter.

Atwell’s stint with the Dolphins was brief. The team initially signed him during free agency to add experience to a receiving corps heavily populated with rookie draft picks. However, he failed to record a reception during the preseason and saw minimal impact throughout training camp. A local product from Miami’s Northwestern High School, Atwell returns to the franchise that originally drafted him in the second round of 2021.

In return, the Dolphins acquire Hunter, a 2025 fourth-round pick out of Auburn. Standing at 5-foot-10 and 211 pounds, Hunter led the SEC in 2024 with a 6.4 yards-per-carry average, accumulating 1,201 rushing yards. Despite his college production, his NFL experience has been limited to just five games, appearing exclusively on 22 special teams snaps.

The Rams moved Hunter shortly after a preseason performance against the New Orleans Saints where he rushed 12 times for 68 yards and a touchdown. Rams head coach Sean McVay praised the run publicly but emphasized the necessity of trust regarding pass protection and blitz pick-up for playing time. In Miami, Hunter is expected to compete for depth behind De’Von Achane while contributing on special teams. The move marks the second time this week Miami addressed running back depth, following the signing of Coleman Bennett.

What to watch

• Integration of Hunter into the Dolphins’ special teams units and backfield rotation.
• Upcoming preseason finale performance to determine final roster cuts.

Source: original release