This offseason, the Miami Dolphins adopted a unique strategy as they opted against bringing in major free agents. Instead, the team cut ties with most of its veteran players with large cap numbers in 2026, and dedicated the offseason to resetting the books, allowing the team to have flexibility in 2027.
However, Miami still needed to find replacements for the players they allowed to leave, and while they did add 13 players during the 2026 NFL Draft, the team also had to bring in some veterans. Due to Miami opting against spending this offseason, Miami’s veteran additions primarily consisted of players who were willing to sign minimum contracts.
Now, one of Miami’s first veteran additions this offseason has been put on notice, as his roster spot currently appears to be in danger.
Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Put on Notice
One of the first moves the Miami Dolphins made in free agency was signing former second-round pick wide receiver Tutu Atwell to a one-year, $1.4 million contract, with $1.2 million guaranteed. Atwell’s contract was a reality check for the wide receiver, who one year prior had signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams.
Aside from the team’s draft picks, Atwell was one of few Dolphins players to receive any guaranteed money in his contract. That led Dolphins on SI’s Alain Poupart to calling him a “borderline lock” to make the team’s roster.
Unfortunately for Atwell, after a disappointing preseason opener, his status has now changed according to Poupart. In his newest roster tiers, Atwell was deemed to be “50-50” to make the roster.
Atwell’s production in the NFL has been up-and-down. He initially failed to live up to his second-round draft status. However, during the 2024 season, Atwell set a career-high with 562 receiving yards. Then, the Los Angeles Rams traded for wide receiver Davante Adams and that led Atwell’s production to diminish drastically as he finished with only six receptions for 192 yards.
Right now, the Dolphins appear to be getting the 2025 version of Atwell. Prior to signing with the Dolphins, Atwell secured over $15 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac.
Tutu Atwell’s Roster Spot
Poupart is not the first Dolphins media member to question Atwell’s status on the team. Previously, the Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly listed Atwell as one of the team’s biggest disappointments, as he said during The Dolphins Collective, “I’ve been saying this from OTAs. The athleticism, the speed, there should be way more productivity than what I’m seeing, which is no productivity. He’s had one good day in six practices. You’re the most experienced receiver, you’re clearly the fastest receiver, you’re probably the most talented receiver, you’re probably the most accomplished receiver, why are you invisible?
I would call plays for him like he is Tyreek Hill, see what he has and if he doesn’t have anything, I’m moving on. I’m ready to eat my $1 million dollars.”
Above Atwell on Poupart’s roster tiers were the locks Caleb Douglas, Malik Washington and Kevin Coleman Jr. Also above Atwell was Chris Bell, who was listed as a borderline lock. Poupart specified that Bell would be a lock if not for his health status.
Dolphins $15 Million Talent Put on Notice Amid Cut Speculation