After being a healthy inactive in Week 2 with the Los Angeles Rams, running back Cam Akers has officially been traded to the Minnesota Vikings, according to Tom Pelissero. The deal is Akers and a late-round 2026 pick for a late-round 2026 pick.
Trade! The #Rams are sending RB Cam Akers to the #Vikings, per sources. pic.twitter.com/tNtECO2P9E
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 20, 2023
There are connections with Akers and this Vikings coaching staff as Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell worked with him in Los Angeles before being named the Minnesota Vikings coach. Akers is currently on the last season of his rookie contract and will become a restricted free agent after the 2023 season. However, it seems like the Florida State product will be looking to prove his worth here.
During the season, Cam Akers has struggled as he has 22 carries for 29 yards (1.3 yards per attempt) with a rushing touchdown and did not have any involvement in the passing game. Akers likely will be moved into the starting role for the Vikings going forward and help get the running game involved as the team has two rushing first downs through two weeks.
This means Alexander Mattison will also see a decrease in his workload going forward.
Does the Cam Akers trade mean anything for the Vikings’ playoff chances?
The Minnesota Vikings are 0-2 to begin the season after losing to the Buccaneers and Eagles this season. Only one team has made the playoffs after beginning 0-2 in this seven-team per conference format but this helps the offense to get going.
The trade for Akers shows the Vikings front office is going for it and not giving up on the team after a rough start. They needed to find some running ability as they average just 34.5 rushing yards per game so far and need to keep defenses on their toes.
No team in the NFC North has gone undefeated and Minnesota has not played a divisional game yet so they are still in good shape going forward. Kirk Cousins is off to a historic start and this will alleviate some pressure off him heading into the later portion of the season.
This also helps the defense not be on the field as much as the offense can stay on the field longer. With Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison out wide, this is assembling to be a loaded offensive unit. Akers also brings Super Bowl experience to a roster that does not have much of it.
Expect this to be a big boost for a marginal price tag.
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