MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins introduced new wide receivers Tutu Atwell and Jalen Tolbert on Friday, a week after signing both in free agency, with each emphasizing opportunity as a key reason for joining the team.
Atwell, a 26-year-old Miami native, returns home after spending his first five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. A former standout at Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Atwell said being back in South Florida carries special meaning.
“I just remember just a lot of family there growing up, back in my backyard, Liberty City,” Atwell said. “I’m just glad to be back.”
A second-round pick in 2021, Atwell appeared in 64 career games with Los Angeles, totaling 105 receptions for 1,535 yards and five touchdowns. He played in 10 games last season, finishing with six catches for 192 yards and a touchdown.
Known for his speed, Atwell said his development as a receiver was shaped by his time in Los Angeles.
“It was a lot of learning to do,” he said. “Just being around coach (Sean) McVay and all the other coaches, they did a hell of a job of just teaching me the aspect of the receiver,” he said, adding that watching players like “the Cooper Kupps, the Pukas (Nacua), the Davante Adams and Robert Woods” helped elevate his game.
Atwell also addressed Miami’s recent trade of Jaylen Waddle, calling the move surprising but expressing confidence in the team’s depth.
“(Jaylen) Waddle, that’s my guy,” he said. “I was kind of shocked when the trade happened, but we’ve got a lot of good receivers in the room.”
Tolbert, 27, arrives after four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, where he totaled just under 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. He said the chance to earn a larger role factored into his decision.
“Obviously, all we ever can ask for is opportunity,” he said. “I felt like this was the best opportunity and I’m excited about it.”
Tolbert said Miami’s coaching staff made it clear that roles would be earned.
“Nothing is given in this league ... just the opportunity to come and compete,” he said.
Tolbert attributed his playmaking ability in Dallas to increased opportunities amid injuries to teammates, and said he is focused on playing at a high level.
“It’s really just about opportunities, being in the right spots at the right time, and just earning the trust of the quarterbacks,” he said.
Tolbert dismissed the notion that Miami is in a rebuild, saying players inside the locker room remain focused on competing.
“We’re all competitors,” he added. “We all want to win.”
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