Jaguars urged to target Tutu Atwell in free agency to bolster WR corps

The Jacksonville Jaguars bolstered their wide receiver room in the offseason but may need to make further additions in 2025. While rookie Brian Thomas Jr. has quickly established himself as an integral piece on offense, free-agent acquisition Gabe Davis left much to be desired. Add the fact that Christian Kirk could be a cap casualty, and the Jags might be in need of reinforcements. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report came up with an intriguing suggestion.

Ballentine drew up a list of needs for every AFC team following Week 13 and brought up the possibility of Jacksonville pursuing Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell, noting that the former Louisville Cardinal could give them much-needed depth at the position.

"Brian Thomas Jr. looks like he is going to continue to grow into a larger role, and there's a lot of money tied up in Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, and Evan Engram. They simply aren't getting enough out of that trio, though, and Kirk could be a cut candidate.

If that's the case, the Jaguars might want to look at adding someone to make up for the loss. Tutu Atwell isn't a direct replacement, but he is an exciting gadget player who could be a threat on jet sweeps and deep balls."

A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Atwell has been somewhat of an afterthought in the Los Angeles offense due to the presence of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. That said, he posted career bests for catches and receiving yards last year and is on pace to put up even better numbers in 2024.12 games into the season, he's hauled in 32 receptions for 462 yards.

One thing that could make Atwell an intriguing option is that he can line up both in the slot and outside. That kind of versatility could come in handy, especially if Kirk gets the boot.

Why signing Tutu Atwell would make sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Gabe Davis to a three-year deal worth $39 million because he routinely showed a big-play capability during his four-year stint with the Buffalo Bills. However, it wasn't carried over in 2024. Before he suffered a knee injury that ended his year prematurely, the Fernandina Beach native was on pace to set career lows for yards and receptions in a season. To make matters worse, he had a measly catch rate of 47.6 percent.

Maybe Davis will bounce back in 2025, but the Jags should bring in insurance in case he doesn't. It's also worth noting that there may be a new regime in place. If that's the case, whoever supplants Trent Baalke as the general manager will have no attachment to the veteran receiver. That in turn could pave the way for Tutu Atwell or someone else.

In Atwell's case, he could line up opposite Brian Thomas Jr., who's turned out to be a ray of light for the Jaguars or add depth behind Parker Washington, who could potentially replace Christian Kirk in the slot if he leaves next year. Either way, he could quickly carve a role in the Jacksonville offense.

Aside from his versatility, Atwell could be an appealing option in free agency because he won't be cost-prohibitive. But whether it's him or another receiver in the open market or the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars must ensure that Trevor Lawrence's arsenal of weapons is well-stocked.

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