The Los Angeles Rams have traded running back Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings for an exchange of 2026 draft picks, per Adam Schefter.
Trade: Rams are sending RB Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings for a swap of 2026 draft picks, per sources. pic.twitter.com/d79HmNT00u
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2023
The former second round draft pick had a promising rookie season in 2020 before suffering an achilles injury in the 2021 offseason. Akers miraculously returned for the Rams 2021 playoff run that ended with a victory in Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the 2022 season, Akers seemed to have mostly recovered to his rookie-form, rushing for 786 yards on the year and 7 touchdowns. Early on in the 2023 season, however, the Rams have struggled to find much use for the back. In the team's Wkek 1 game vs Seattle, Akers had 22 carries but only gained 29 yards which averages to a miserable 1.3 yards per carry. The next week, Akers was listed as a healthy scratch against the San Francisco.
For Minnesota, the trade adds depth to their running back room after the departure of Dalvin Cook. Additionally, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is familiar with Akers as he was the offensive coordinator for the Rams in 2020 and 2021. Minnesota's running game has been led by veteran Alexander Mattison in 2023, but there is little to no depth behind him. Akers tough running style should add a change of pace to Mattison's more shifty game.
This trade seems to benefit all three parties involved. The relationship between Akers and the Rams had clearly soured. The Rams gained value for a player they didn't have much use for, the Vikings add much needed depth, and Akers received a change of scenery.
