Miami Dolphins trade Tutu Atwell for intriguing RB Jarquez Hunter
The Miami Dolphins made their second trade of training camp Thursday, sending wide receiver Tutu Atwell to the Los Angeles Rams for running back Jarquez Hunter.
I did not believe Atwell was going to make Miami’s 53-man roster, so getting something back for him was a good move. Rather than simply releasing a player who appeared to be on the outside looking in, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan turned him into a young running back who could have a chance to make the roster. That is a nice piece of work by Sullivan.
What Jarquez Hunter brings to Miami
Hunter was selected by the Rams in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft following a productive career at Auburn. He is a tough, competitive runner with good speed who has always been difficult to bring down.
That showed up during the Rams’ first two preseason games. Hunter rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per attempt. He was especially productive against New Orleans, finishing with 68 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries.
Here’s a look at Hunter against New Orleans:
Jarquez Hunter showcases the moves and finds the end zone 🙌
— NFL (@NFL) August 22, 2026
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/EV1dfSKAIP
Hunter also forced seven missed tackles and produced three carries of at least 10 yards, according to Pro Football Focus. PFF gave him the highest pass-blocking grade among running backs during the preseason.
That work in pass protection could be important. Young running backs must understand their assignments, recognize pressure, and be willing to step in front of a defender if they want to earn the coaching staff’s trust.
Hunter also brings special-teams experience. He appeared in five games for Los Angeles as a rookie, playing 22 snaps on special teams without receiving an offensive touch.
Why Hunter became available
The Rams had Kyren Williams and Blake Corum at the top of their depth chart, while Ronnie Rivers appeared to be ahead of Hunter for the third spot. Rivers has experience in the offense and is trusted on special teams. Hunter played well, but Los Angeles may not have had room to carry four running backs.
What the trade means for Miami’s backfield
Miami has now added two running backs in two days, signing Coleman Bennett before trading for Hunter. The Dolphins are clearly taking a close look at the position before setting their initial 53-man roster.
That does not mean Jaylen Wright or Ollie Gordon II is going anywhere. I am not going to assume either player will be released. Both are young backs with talent, and Miami could decide to keep four at the position.
The recent activity does make the room more interesting. Could the competition produce a surprise cut? It is a fair question, but Miami still has several ways it can handle the position.
It will also be interesting to see whether Hunter receives a few opportunities against Atlanta in the preseason finale. He will have limited time to learn the offense, but a handful of carries or special-teams snaps would give him an opportunity to make an impression and strengthen his chance of making the roster.
Hunter gives Miami another physical runner to evaluate. He ran a 4.44-second 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, but his game is not built only around speed. He runs hard, fights through contact, and has enough burst to turn a crease into a bigger gain.
Another move by Jon-Eric Sullivan
This is Sullivan’s second trade during training camp. The Dolphins previously acquired offensive tackle Caedan Wallace and a 2029 seventh-round pick from New England for a 2028 sixth-round selection.
Hunter still has to earn his place, but Miami turned a receiver who never got going into a young running back who produced when the Rams gave him opportunities.
Now Hunter gets his chance to show the Dolphins that he belongs in their backfield.
