Los Angeles Rams trade running back Cam Akers to Minnesota Vikings. What awaits him?
With his time in LA ending somewhat unceremoniously, the running back will likely be hoping for a new lease on life when he turns out for his new team.
The former Florida State star didn’t set the world alight during his time with the Rams, however, it would be a mistake to underestimate his ability as he sets off on a new adventure with the Vikings.
Los Angeles Rams trade Cam Akers to Minnesota Vikings
According to reports on Thursday, The Los Angeles Rams have traded Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a handful of 2026 late-round picks. You would likely have seen our previous report just a few days ago in which the team made Akers inactive for their Week 2 clash with the San Francisco 49ers, a contest that the team lost 30-23. Of course, on Monday Rams head coach Sean McVay more or less confirmed to the media that Akers’ time with the team was up and moreover, general manager Les Snead was speaking with a few teams about the running back.
“Felt like that was best for our football team,” McVay said. “Felt like Kyren [Williams] gave us the best opportunity and what Ronnie (Rivers) and Royce (Freeman) had done, so that was the decision that I made.”
A look at Cam Akers
Out of Florida State, the former second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft had a solid first season in LA, however, during the summer he tore his Achilles tendon which resulted in a five-month absence. With that, Akers was instrumental upon his return and even played a key part in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory as he had 13 carries for 21 rushing yards and three receptions for 14 yards in the team’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Last season Akers rushed for a career-high 786 yards and seven touchdowns, though he would ask for a trade during the first half of the season. In Week 1 of this season, the 24-year-old had 29 yards on 22 carries against the Seattle Seahawks.
Ultimately, it would appear that Akers was deemed to be not productive enough, something McVay hinted at. “I have tremendous respect for Cam Akers, but I felt like for our football team today and in this game and as we moved forward, that was going to be the best decision for us,” the Rams coach said.
What awaits Cam Akers in Minnesota?
Firstly, credit must be given to the Vikings for quickly addressing the issue that they had at running back and at a low cost to boot. After two weeks, it was relatively clear that the team’s ground game was lacking. Akers arrival changes that and what’s more, is that he is familiar with Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell who previously worked as the offensive coordinator for the Rams. Yes, it’s true that Akers has not been top-tier of late, but when he’s been healthy he’s proved himself a solid option at running back. The Vikings are currently 0-2 as they prepare to face the Chargers who have the exact same record. We expect to see Akers on the field on Sunday and it wouldn’t be surprising if he makes a difference.